Schemes on cards to give women more financial muscle; announcements likely in Budget 2026

New Delhi: Women-centric schemes with stronger credit and insurance linkages through Jan Dhan accounts may be announced in the Union budget for FY27 as the government aims for financial inclusion with universal access and a more robust grievance redressal framework, including insurance claims, people familiar with the matter said.

Officials said customized credit cards, loan products and women-focused insurance schemes could be important announcements as the government looks to build on measures announced in the FY26 budget, including the Grameen Credit Score and credit support for first-time entrepreneurs.

“Measures to support credit requirements of rural enterprises and self-help groups (SHGs) are also being actively considered,” an official said.

Niti Aayog Considers PMJDY

The official, who requested anonymity, added that the government is also considering suggestions to increase coverage under Jan Suraksha schemes and provide policyholders with options to opt for increased insurance protection.

Niti Aayog is considering the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) to activate dormant accounts and encourage account holders to keep them active by increasing access to insurance and credit on these accounts.

“This is being pursued with a target of achieving 100% saturation,” another official said, adding that the Aayog is of the view that there is a need to deepen credit participation and close financial literacy gaps among these accounts to strengthen India’s digital economy.
This is part of the overall PMJDY plan assessment to align the government’s financial inclusion initiative with Viksit Bharat or the vision of transforming India into a developed country by 2047, he said.

“Customer-centric initiatives such as emphasis on refund of unclaimed funds and addressing complaints about insurance claims through more robust regulatory oversight may also be included in the budget announcement,” a third official said.