Kalkine boss wants FM to present a gender-sensitive Budget, focus on workplace safety and shepreneurs

The start of the New Year in India is usually accompanied by offices and boardrooms abuzz with debates and expectations surrounding the Union Budget.
As Nirmala Sitharama gets ready to present her second Budget, there is a growing wishlist for the Finance Minister. From policies for boosting the economy and fixing India's fiscal deficit and unemployment to programmes that will empower the female workforce, hopes from the Union Budget have come a long way since RK Shanmukham Chetty presented the country's first Budget on November 26, 1947.

Kunal Sawhney, CEO of Sydney-based equity research firm Kalkine, wants the Government to pay attention to 'much-needed women-specific schemes'.

"The Government has been taking initiative to boost women welfare and bridge the gender-gap. Despite this, the participation of women in the country’s workforce - crucial for fostering economic growth - is still far from satisfactory.

"To help more women step out of their home and join the workforce, the Government needs to bridge the gaps in education and increase skill training along with promoting entrepreneurship amongst women," Sawhney said.

There's also a dire need to ensure safety for women both at the workplace as well as for their commute to work.

Sawhney also wants the Government to focus on creating employment opportunities by reducing barriers to job creation.

"A more gender-sensitive Budget focussing on parity can reshape women’s role in the workforce and society," the top boss believes.