As India's Union Budget 2026-27 approaches, experts and civil society groups are renewing calls for a comprehensive National Care Policy. The demand goes beyond annual budgetary allocations, seeking a structural framework to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care workβa burden that falls disproportionately on women.
According to a 2023 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women in India spend an average of 5.8 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to 0.8 hours for men. This disparity contributes to lower female labor force participation, which stood at 37% in 2023-24 according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
Advocates argue that a National Care Policy would include investments in early childhood care, elder care, and paid family leave. Such policies have been shown to boost women's employment and economic growth. For instance, a 2024 study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that closing gender gaps in labor markets could increase India's GDP by 27%.
While the government has introduced schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) for maternity benefits, critics say these are insufficient and poorly implemented. A 2025 report by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) noted that India spends less than 1% of its GDP on early childhood care and education, far below the 2-3% recommended by UNESCO.
The call for a National Care Policy is gaining traction ahead of the 2026 Union Budget, with over 200 organizations signing a joint memorandum to the Finance Ministry. The policy, if enacted, would mark a paradigm shift in how India values and supports care work.
