Question

Which of the following was more systematically developed in the 13th Five-Year Plan inKerala?

• A. Decentralised planning
• B. Kudumbashree programme
• C. Child protection schemes
• D. Gender budgeting

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Gender budgeting

The 13th Five-Year Plan in Kerala (2017–2022) marked a significant step in the systematic development and institutionalization of Gender Budgeting at the state level.

1. Context: While concepts like decentralised planning (which dates back to the 9th Plan/People's Plan Campaign in the 1990s) and the Kudumbashree programme (launched in 1998) were already well-established aspects of the Kerala Model, the 13th Five-Year Plan made a concerted effort to strengthen and systemise the process of gender budgeting.

2. Systematic Development: The state reaffirmed its commitment to Gender Budgeting during the 13th Plan. This period saw:

   • An emphasis on making Planning and Budgeting gender sensitive.

   • A mandate for allocating a minimum percentage (often 10%) of the total state plan outlay specifically for women-centric or pro-women schemes (Women Component Plan).

   • A steady increase in the overall allocation for women in the Gender Budget Statement.

   • The preparation of a Gender Budget Statement to be presented along with the main budget document, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.