<h1>Government Forms Gender Budget Cell in MEA to Enhance Gender Equality in Projects; Panel Urges Better Monitoring Frameworks</h1> The government informed a parliamentary panel about the establishment of a 'gender budget cell' within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to evaluate gender-related contributions of its projects. The Committee on External Affairs recommended creating a comprehensive monitoring framework for development projects. The report also noted the need for faster analysis of gender-related data and a concrete action plan for gender budgeting. The panel commended the MEA for increasing female representation in the Indian Foreign Service and other initiatives promoting gender equality. It also highlighted the need for improved budget forecasting and robust monitoring mechanisms for development projects.