Women in India are mostly considered as only housewives, one who looks good at home but not very much welcomed as a professional. Women in present time is coming out of home and working along with the men. Still very few women are in the working arena. Most of the jobs need mental effort along with a bit of physical contribution. There are jobs which require physical effort for the work. Like the job of labor class. There is more equality between men and women in these professions than in those which require less physical work. The reason may be that many feels that women are not fit to take tough decisions.
In India, the number of women politicians is very less. It’s true that most of the women leaders are at the top. But, this is not helping the situation of women. Women are not getting help from these very few leaders, who are bound to take decisions which favor men more. Other than that, the most important decision for the welfare of our country is taken ignoring the will of half of the society, i.e. women.
Government is trying to improve the quality of women by giving them more power by ensuring 33 % seat in the parliament and state assembly to them. It looks as 33 % is very less compared to original ratio of male female 1:1. But, for now this much amount is very high compared to current situation. Currently, on an average 5- 10 % seats are with women in center or state assemblies. The participation of more women in political system will result in more support for women. Also, it is believed that new woman leaders will work more for the welfare of other women. Also, female leaders concern more for their job, duty and responsibility than male. The involvement of women in work will be improved in much better way than now. Also, the situation where women honor is taken lightly by the administration and rapist are given protection from punishment by the politicians and bureaucrats. These cases will be reduced by involvement of more women at the top.
The women reservation bill was rejected in the parliament for many times. Almost fourteen years back, in 1996 the bill was first introduced by the Deve Gowda’s Government. But, soon after, the government became in minority and the Lok Sabha dissolved. Later, every government tries to pass this bill. But, as parties in power are themselves not very much united on the bill, it lost its front every time. In Feb 2010, two major parties, INC and BJP, came in support of this bill. The bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha. This time after a lot of drama, the bill was historically passed in the upper house. But, it has still a long way to go. It is to clear Lok Sabha and lastly to be signed by the President.
The main feature of the bill is that the bill is to be implemented for 15 years. After then, it will be reviewed for amendments. In each term, one third of the constituencies will be allotted for women only. Others are open for all. So, at least 33 % seats will be taken by women. However, the percentage of women could increase from 33 %, if they win from any other non-reserved seats. Also, each seat will be under the reserved category in one out of three elections.
The bill is taken in accordance to the outcome of 1994 amendment for Panchayat level election, where the same pattern was implemented. Initially, the seats were taken mostly by proxies of men leaders. But, later on women started knowing their power and the proxies are reducing. Women are working in better way than men. They are focusing more on the basic problems of their village than male candidate. The proof is increase in participation of women. The data shows in some states women participation has increased to more than 40 %. No doubt, the experiment has showed impact of women’s bill.
The leaders who are in opposition of this bill ask for the reservation of backward caste and tribes in the reservation bill. They say that this bill will only avail women from upper caste and good economic condition. Some also argue that this bill will result in less qualified women being elected. Some suggest that the reservation should be at ticket distribution level of party. Others also, fear the dominance of female in the society will be fatal for culture or for male dominance. Some fear the end of their career by this bill, as it may be their seat being reserved in the next term. Some party is arguing for more debate on the bill.
All these are in one way or another are reasons to put the bill on delay. Those who are in opposition are mostly traditional, backward beliefs party leaders. Like Lalu Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sharad Yadav. In some way or other they delayed the bill for past 14 years and want it to be in queue for following years too.
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