Ladli-Behnas Scheme Dominates Women and Child Development Budget with 78% Share
The flagship Ladli-Behnas income support program for women has secured the overwhelming majority of budgetary allocations within the Women and Child Development (WCD) department for the current fiscal year. According to the latest budget figures, the scheme accounts for approximately 78% of the total outlay for the WCD department, which stands at Rs 23,883 crore.
Significant Increase in Allocation for Ladli-Behnas
This allocation represents a notable 10% increase from the previous budget cycle. In the prior fiscal year, the combined outlay for the Ladli-Behna and Ladli-Lakshmi schemes constituted around 68% of the WCD department's total budget. The sharp rise underscores a continued pattern of disproportionate funding directed toward this populist initiative.
Malnutrition Funding Sees Drastic Reduction
In stark contrast, the budget for combating malnutrition, which also falls under the WCD department's purview, has been severely curtailed. A mere 18% of the total funds have been committed to addressing malnutrition, including support for Anganwadis and various nutrition schemes. This marks a significant drop of about 15% in the share of the WCD outlay compared to the previous budget.
Additional Cuts in Anganwadi Infrastructure
Further compounding the issue, the allocation for the construction of Anganwadi buildings has also been reduced. The budget earmarks Rs 337 crore for this purpose, which is Rs 13 crore less than the amount allocated in the 2025-26 budget. This reduction raises concerns about the infrastructure supporting early childhood care and nutrition programs.
Analysis of Budgetary Priorities
The budgetary allocations reveal a clear prioritization of the Ladli-Behnas scheme over critical health and nutrition initiatives. Observers note that this disproportionate funding may be influenced by electoral considerations or short-term political gains, potentially at the expense of long-term public health outcomes. The decline in malnutrition funding is particularly alarming given its direct impact on child development and maternal health.
As the WCD department navigates these financial decisions, the implications for women's welfare and child nutrition remain a focal point of discussion among policymakers and advocacy groups.
