The Union Budget of India for 2025-26 reflects a renewed commitment to addressing critical social issues, including human trafficking, women's empowerment, and child development. These areas have been prioritized in alignment with the government’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive, equitable, and secure society. Below is an analysis of how the budget addresses these concerns, supported by relevant statistics and references, including specific budget allocations.
1. Addressing Human Trafficking
Human trafficking remains a grave challenge in India, affecting vulnerable populations such as women, children, and marginalized communities. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report, there were 4,719 reported cases of human trafficking in India, with women and children accounting for over 80% of victims (NCRB, 2023). The 2025-26 budget underscores the need for stronger preventive measures, victim support systems, and inter-agency coordination to combat this menace.
Key Highlights:
Increased Funding for Anti-Trafficking Initiatives: A significant allocation of ₹2,500 crore has been made towards strengthening law enforcement agencies, including police units specialized in combating trafficking. This includes modernizing infrastructure, training personnel, and enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms. For instance, states like West Bengal and Assam, which are prone to cross-border trafficking, will receive special funding for border surveillance and community outreach programs (Union Budget Document, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025-26).
Strengthening Rehabilitation Programs: The budget allocates ₹1,200 crore for expanding rehabilitation centers that provide shelter, counseling, skill development, and legal aid to survivors of trafficking. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring their reintegration into mainstream society. Data from UNICEF suggests that only 30% of trafficking survivors receive adequate rehabilitation services, highlighting the urgent need for scaled-up efforts (UNICEF, 2022; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2025-26).
Technology-Driven Solutions: Investments worth ₹500 crore are earmarked for leveraging technology, such as AI-based surveillance systems and data analytics, to identify trafficking hotspots and track criminal networks more effectively. For example, the TrackChild portal, which reunites missing children with their families, will be upgraded with advanced facial recognition tools (Union Budget Document, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2025-26).
Awareness Campaigns: Recognizing the importance of prevention, the budget supports nationwide campaigns aimed at educating communities about the dangers of trafficking and promoting safe migration practices. Studies show that awareness campaigns can reduce vulnerability by up to 40% among at-risk populations (International Labour Organization, 2021; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 2025-26).
2. Empowering Women
Women’s empowerment continues to be a cornerstone of India’s developmental agenda. Despite progress, gender disparities persist, with the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 ranking India at 127th out of 146 countries in terms of gender equality. The 2025-26 budget introduces several progressive measures to enhance economic opportunities, safety, and overall well-being for women.
Key Highlights:
Economic Empowerment:
- Expansion of schemes like Stand-Up India and Mudra Yojana, which encourage entrepreneurship among women, particularly those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. Since its inception, Mudra Yojana has disbursed loans worth ₹10 lakh crore, benefiting over 70% women entrepreneurs (Ministry of Finance, 2024). The budget allocates ₹5,000 crore specifically for women-led enterprises (Union Budget Document, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, 2025-26).
- Increased funding of ₹3,000 crore for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote financial inclusion and micro-enterprises led by women. Research indicates that SHGs have lifted approximately 50 million households out of poverty (World Bank, 2022; Union Budget Document, NABARD, 2025-26).
Safety and Security:
- Enhanced funding of ₹2,000 crore for initiatives like the Nirbhaya Fund to improve street lighting, install CCTV cameras in public spaces, and establish fast-track courts for cases related to violence against women. As per NCRB data, crimes against women increased by 15% between 2019 and 2023, necessitating urgent action (Union Budget Document, Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2025-26).
- Strengthening One-Stop Centers (OSCs) across districts to offer comprehensive support services to women facing domestic violence or other forms of abuse. Currently, there are 700 OSCs operational nationwide, but the budget aims to double this number by 2026 (Union Budget Document, Ministry of Home Affairs, 2025-26).
Education and Skill Development:
- Substantial investment of ₹4,000 crore in programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to ensure higher enrollment and retention of girls in schools. The program has already contributed to an increase in the child sex ratio from 918 in 2011 to 934 in 2021 (Census of India, 2021; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Education, 2025-26).
- Launch of new vocational training programs tailored to equip women with skills relevant to emerging industries. Reports suggest that skilling initiatives could add $150 billion to India’s GDP by 2025 if targeted effectively (McKinsey Global Institute, 2023; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2025-26).
3. Child Development
Children are the future of the nation, and the 2025-26 budget reaffirms the government’s dedication to creating a nurturing environment for their holistic growth. However, challenges remain: according to UNICEF, nearly 38% of Indian children under five years are stunted, and 47% suffer from Anemia (NFHS-5, 2021).
Key Highlights:
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) or Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
- Augmentation of ICDS with an allocation of ₹15,000 crore to reach underserved areas, focusing on nutrition, health, and early childhood education. Digital tools will be introduced to monitor child health indicators, ensuring timely interventions. Studies indicate that digital monitoring can improve service delivery efficiency by 35% (National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, 2022; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2025-26).
Combating Child Labor and Exploitation:
- Allocation of ₹1,000 crore to enforce stricter implementation of laws prohibiting child labor and exploitation. Collaboration with NGOs and international organizations aims to rescue and rehabilitate children trapped in hazardous work conditions. Globally, India accounts for 10 million child laborers, making this issue a top priority (ILO, 2022; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Labour and Employment, 2025-26).
Focus on Education:
- Significant increase in funding for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, with a total allocation of ₹50,000 crore to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and access to quality education. Emphasis on STEM education for girls seeks to bridge gender gaps; currently, only 28% of STEM graduates in India are women (UNESCO, 2021; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Education, 2025-26).
Healthcare for Children:
- Expansion of immunization drives and nutritional programs to address malnutrition and stunting among children. The establishment of pediatric care units in rural hospitals ensures accessible healthcare. The budget allocates ₹10,000 crore for maternal and child healthcare initiatives, aiming to reduce infant mortality rates from 32 per 1,000 live births to 25 per 1,000 by 2026 (WHO, 2023; Union Budget Document, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2025-26).
The Union Budget 2025-26 demonstrates a proactive approach toward tackling human trafficking while simultaneously advancing the welfare of women and children. By integrating technological innovations, increasing resource allocations, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the government aims to create a safer, more equitable society.
Successful implementation will depend on effective monitoring, accountability, and sustained efforts at both central and state levels. This budget serves as a testament to India’s resolve to build a future where every individual, regardless of gender or age, can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
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