In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced major plans aimed at strengthening opportunities for girls and women across India. One prominent proposal is to build a girls’ hostel in every district of the country. These hostels are intended to give female students safe, local accommodation while they pursue higher education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields — areas where dropout rates have historically been higher due to challenges like long study hours and safety concerns.
The budget also introduced a new initiative called “SHE Marts” (Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts). These will be community-owned retail hubs where women especially members of self-help groups can sell products they make, gain direct market access and grow their own businesses. The idea is to help women move from simply taking loans to becoming self-sustaining entrepreneurs with better income opportunities and market visibility.
Officials say these proposals are part of a broader effort to increase women’s participation in education and the economy, while addressing regional and social disparities that have limited access and opportunities in the past.
