Introduction
Gender budgeting at the local level is essential for achieving inclusive and equitable development. Local governments are closest to the community and play a vital role in addressing gender-specific issues such as sanitation, health, safety, and livelihood. Unit 14 of MGSE-002 emphasizes the need to analyze municipal and Panchayati Raj budgets from a gender perspective. This answer examines two local government budgets—one from an Urban Local Body (ULB) and another from a Panchayat—through a gender lens, using examples discussed in the course.
1. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Maharashtra – Urban Local Body
Overview
Pune is one of the first cities in India to implement gender budgeting at the municipal level. The Pune Municipal Corporation introduced gender budgeting in 2003-04, becoming a model for other urban bodies.
Gender Budgeting Initiatives
- Women’s Hostels: PMC allocated funds to build hostels for working women to promote economic independence.
- Skill Development: Regular allocations for vocational training centers exclusively for women to improve employability.
- Healthcare: Free health check-up camps for women, especially in slums.
- Sanitation and Toilets: Construction of gender-sensitive public toilets for women in markets and slum areas.
Analysis
The gender budgeting strategy of PMC focused on practical gender needs like safety, health, and livelihood. However, strategic needs such as increasing women’s representation in decision-making were not directly addressed. Still, it is a good example of how urban bodies can initiate gender-responsive budgeting at the grassroots level.
2. Kudumbashree, Kerala – Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)
Overview
Kudumbashree is a women-oriented community-based poverty eradication mission implemented by the Government of Kerala in collaboration with Panchayati Raj Institutions. It is one of the most successful examples of gender budgeting and women empowerment at the panchayat level.
Gender Budgeting Components
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Over 4.5 million women are organized into SHGs, with dedicated budget support from local bodies.
- Micro-enterprises: Kudumbashree supports women in setting up food processing units, tailoring shops, and agricultural activities.
- Health and Nutrition: Health check-ups and nutrition support programs for women, children, and elderly women in rural areas.
- Gender Resource Centers: Set up to address issues like domestic violence, legal aid, and counseling.
Analysis
Kudumbashree represents an integrated gender budgeting model. It addresses both practical and strategic gender needs. It ensures women’s participation in governance and improves their social and economic status. The partnership between local governments and community groups strengthens accountability and inclusivity.
Comparison Between the Two Models
| Aspect | Pune Municipal Corporation | Kudumbashree (Kerala PRI) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Urban infrastructure, safety, health | Poverty eradication, livelihood, empowerment |
| Participation | Limited community participation | Strong community involvement through SHGs |
| Strategic Needs | Not directly addressed | Empowerment, leadership, and decision-making included |
| Implementation | Top-down approach | Bottom-up, community-driven approach |
Challenges in Local Gender Budgeting
- Lack of awareness and capacity among local officials
- Gender budgeting often treated as symbolic rather than transformative
- Inadequate gender-disaggregated data at the local level
Recommendations
- Training and capacity building for local officials and elected women representatives
- Institutionalizing gender cells or focal points in ULBs and PRIs
- Regular audits and evaluation of gender outcomes
- Encouraging citizen participation, especially from women’s groups
Conclusion
Gender budgeting at the local level has the potential to bring meaningful change in women’s lives. The Pune and Kudumbashree models show how local governments can respond to gender needs through targeted planning and budgeting. While urban models tend to focus on infrastructure and service delivery, rural models like Kudumbashree focus on empowerment and livelihood. Both approaches are essential and complementary in promoting gender-inclusive development across India.