Budget 2024 Expectations: As India gears up for the upcoming budget, stakeholders from various sectors are voicing their expectations and hopes for policies that prioritise women's empowerment, education, skill development, and economic growth. In anticipation of the budgetary allocations for the fiscal year 2024, leaders and experts across industries are advocating for measures to address the digital gender gap, support women entrepreneurs, enhance education quality, and promote holistic wellness.

Recognition of Women's Role in Economic Growth: Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of AASOKA & MBD Group, emphasises the significant contribution of women to India's economic growth. She anticipates a policy framework that ensures the holistic development of women, addressing the digital gender gap and providing opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.

Empowerment Through Education and Skill Development: Sujatha Kshirsagar, President of Career Launcher, underscores the importance of education, skill development, and empowerment of women. She expects policies that encourage women's active participation in technology, healthcare, and other industries, along with increased funding and supportive measures for women entrepreneurs.

Support for Women-Led Enterprises: Vandana S Ahuja, Organisational HR Adviser & Executive Coach, advocates for promoting women entrepreneurs' growth through targeted schemes and measures. She suggests granting tax holidays, providing financial support, and facilitating access to credit and venture capital for women-led businesses.

Investment in Education and Innovation: Babina N.M, Chief Medical Officer at Jindal Naturecure Institute, anticipates the budget to address critical challenges and seize growth opportunities in holistic wellness. She emphasises collaborative efforts among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the naturopathy industry and meet the nation's evolving healthcare needs.

Focus on Talent Development and Diversity: The HR sector expects policies that reduce compliance complexity, foster talent development, and support startups through inclusive fiscal incentives. Initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, along with strategies to encourage innovation in HR practices, are also anticipated.

Commitment to Education and Technology: Sujatha Kshirsagar advocates for dedicating 6% of the country's GDP to education and introducing tax benefits for domestically produced courses. She emphasises the importance of bolstering digitisation efforts, catalysing skill-building initiatives, and nurturing the growth of the educational services ecosystem.

In conclusion, stakeholders across sectors are eagerly awaiting the budgetary announcements for 2024, hoping for policies and initiatives that prioritise women's empowerment, education, skill development, and economic growth. As India strives to achieve its ambitious goals of inclusive development and economic prosperity, the budget presents an opportunity to catalyze positive change and create a conducive environment for women's participation and leadership in various spheres of society.