Key criticisms:
- Budget fails to address women's issues: Despite claims of "Nari Shakti", the budget lacks concrete measures to improve women's lives. Allocations for crucial schemes like MGNREGS, food security, and Anganwadi programs are stagnant or declining.
- Misleading claims and data: The government's boast of achievements in gender equality contrasts poorly with India's low rankings in global indices like WEF and Global Hunger Index.
- Lack of transparency and accountability: Schemes like PM Awas Yojana and NRLM fall short of promised targets and face implementation issues. Schemes like Jan Dhan have documented issues with fraud.
- Ignores demands of marginalized groups: Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and minorities continue to face neglect and inadequate support.
- Pre-election propaganda over substance: The budget prioritizes pre-election rhetoric over addressing critical issues faced by women and marginalized communities.
Call to action:
- Defeat the "authoritarian and manuwadi" government in the upcoming elections.
- Unite democratic forces and women to fight for genuine women's empowerment.
