Strategic Fiscal Initiative: Government Allocates Funds for District-Level Girls' Hostels and SHE Marts to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

In a significant move to bolster women's economic participation, the government has unveiled a comprehensive budgetary allocation targeting female empowerment through infrastructure and entrepreneurial support. The initiative builds upon the proven success of the Lakpati Didi programme, which facilitated credit-linked livelihoods for women. The new strategy aims to transition beneficiaries from subsistence-level activities to sustainable enterprise ownership. Key components include the establishment of a girls' hostel in every district, addressing critical barriers to education and safety for young women, thereby fostering a pipeline of future female leaders. Concurrently, the introduction of SHE Marts—dedicated marketplaces for women entrepreneurs—will provide platforms for product visibility, sales, and networking, directly tackling market access challenges. This dual-pronged approach reflects a formal shift from welfare-centric models to an analytical, growth-oriented framework, positioning women as central actors in economic development. The initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion, reduce gender disparities in entrepreneurship, and contribute to broader socio-economic stability. By integrating educational support with commercial opportunities, the government signals a commitment to long-term, structural empowerment, aligning with global best practices in gender-responsive budgeting.