Union Budget 2026: SHE Marts, Girls' Hostels Boost Women's Empowerment

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced key initiatives for women in Union Budget 2026-27, focusing on education, employment, and economic empowerment.
• The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is strengthened and linked with SHE Marts to provide women better opportunities to sell their products and become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
• A STEM scheme will construct girls' hostels in every district, especially near STEM institutions, through Viability Gap Funding or Capital Support, easing higher education access for rural girls.
• SHE Marts (Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts) will be launched as community-owned retail outlets at the cluster level, serving as a next step for the Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
• A 'She-Mark' badge will provide women, particularly those in Self-Help Groups, with easier access to funding and development resources, encouraging business ownership.

Why It Matters: Union Budget 2026 significantly boosts women's empowerment through SHE Marts, girls' hostels, and enhanced Lakhpati Didi Yojana.