The Union Budget gives us an opportunity to look at how the Government prioritises the welfare of children. It is an important tool to assess whether the allocations made under different ministries and/or different programmes cater to the needs of those who are the future of our country and ensure their protection.

Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation carried out an analysis of the Union Budget 2022 allocations. This has been done in light of the statutory, legal and other policy commitments towards children that have a direct impact on their quality of life and the opportunities available to them.

The analysis of Budget 2022 finds that children have received the lowest share of financial allocations in the last 11 years. The percentage share of the Union budget allocated for the welfare of children during the FY 2022-23 reduced to 2.35% from 2.46% in 2021-22. This is the lowest share of the union budget allocated for the welfare of children since the inception of the Child Budget Statement in 2008.

In absolute terms, the total budget allocation for the welfare of children has increased by 8%, from INR 85,714 Cr in FY 2021-22 to INR 92,737 Cr. in FY 2022-23. If corrected for inflation, this increase will get reduced.

Distribution of the total budget allocated for the welfare of children by different ministries indicates that 64% has been allocated for Education, followed by Child Protection (20%). The budget is allocated for Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment (4%) and Tribal Affairs (3%). Further the custodian ministry for the welfare of children, the Ministry of Women and Child Development saw a reduced budget allocation by 8%, from INR 20,401 Cr in FY 2020-21 to INR 18,859 Cr in FY 2022-23.

Find attached a detailed analysis of the Union Budget and what it means for children of the country.