Budget wishlist: DBS Bank India's Sheran Mehra wants secure government-approved crèche to help working women

Sheran Mehra
Group Strategic Marketing and Communications
DBS Bank India

Despite the Prime Minister stating that the 2018 Budget won’t be a populist one, there is a lot of anticipation around it. This will be the last budget of the present Government before the 2019 General elections and eight state government elections this year.

A World Economic Forum report from last year ranks India at 108 out of 144 countries on the gender equality scale, slipping from 87. However, this is not really just about women workforce capability. In the initial career period, many women are at par with their male counterparts in terms of educational background and career progression. The prime reason for Indian women dropping out of the workforce is that family and home responsibilities take a priority over their careers once they are married.

Outside of changes in tax slabs, here is my wishlist from the forthcoming budget especially from a perspective of facilitating women to handle their professional and family responsibilities.


1. Day-care

Many working women have to keep their children in day-care centres during their work hours. A tax-free allowance in government-approved crèche would provide much needed relief to working women. Also, with the government overseeing the crèche, there would be an assurance in terms of quality and security which is missing from the facilities available today.

2. Tax exemptions for care of ageing parents

Many working women take care of their dependent parents or would like to contribute to their care. Give tax exemptions for their dependent parents. A certain amount of monthly exemption keeping in mind the inflation should be provided for.

3. Tax exemption for domestic help

Most working women are able to continue their professional careers, thanks to the domestic help at home. I propose a monthly exemption to fray the costs provided the domestic help is recruited from a Government recognised agency. Not only will this provide a relief to the working woman, but this move will go a long way to formalise this sector which is currently unorganised and leads to their exploitation.



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