Excellent article! If a group is not represented proportionally in the political system,it's ability to influence policy making is limited.Discrimination against women must be eliminated in political and public life.
Diversity can lead to better policy formulation and governance.This bill will empower women at various levels.It will prioritise and advocate for issues that directly affect women, such as gender based violence, women's health, education and economic empowerment.
Women leaders in politics can serve as role models for young girls encouraging them to aspire for leadership positions in various fields.
It all seems good theoretically, let's see the implementation and actual results after the elections!!!
Couldn't agree with you more. The more economic units--whether female, male--in play better it is for the economy. In India's case all the more as it is starting at a very small base. Imagine the power that will be unleashed when women in workforce grow to their potential. Simultaneously it will also reorder our social relations--something that is long overdue.
All told this move harbours great potential. But, like you rightly caution: It is all about execution.
Thanks for covering the Women's Reservation Bill which was practically passed uncontented. There was hardly any voice of dissent in both the Houses. As you have rightly pointed out, this is like a culmination of so many schemes which show the importance being given to women in India, more so in rural India. The promise of a toilet in every household had the health, comfort and safety of rural women in mind. The idea was scoffed at but the PM reiterated the plight of women who were being denied their basic rights. Cooking gas scheme again benefitted the rural ladies more than anyone else. They were the ones choking in smoke filled kitchens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is another example. It's true that everyone stands to benefit from clean drinking water. However, who can forget the images of so many girls and ladies walking for miles with earthenware pots balanced on their heads to collect drinking water? The onus invariably fell on the ladies. Increasing literacy rates among women, more bank accounts as well as loans in their names all reflect the empowerment of rural women. The point to be noted is that these aren't mere promises, they have become a reality. You have always highlighted this with data in the form of maps, charts, graphs and so on. I suppose the latest law enabling reservation for women is surely the icing on the many layered cake.Dear Anil
Thanks for covering the Women's Reservation Bill which was practically passed uncontented. There was hardly any voice of dissent in both the Houses. As you have rightly pointed out, this is like a culmination of so many schemes which show the importance being given to women in India, more so in rural India. The promise of a toilet in every household had the health, comfort and safety of rural women in mind. The idea was scoffed at but the PM reiterated the plight of women who were being denied their basic rights. Cooking gas scheme again benefitted the rural ladies more than anyone else. They were the ones choking in smoke filled kitchens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is another example. It's true that everyone stands to benefit from clean drinking water. However, who can forget the images of so many girls and ladies walking for miles with earthenware pots balanced on their heads to collect drinking water? The onus invariably fell on the ladies. Increasing literacy rates among women, more bank accounts as well as loans in their names all reflect the empowerment of rural women. The point to be noted is that these aren't mere promises, they have become a reality. You have always highlighted this with data in the form of maps, charts, graphs and so on. I suppose the latest law enabling reservation for women is surely the icing on the many layered cake.
Thank you so much for your long and considered response.
You have brought out the impact of these social welfare schemes so well. It just conveys the idea so very well.
And, you are spot on. These are no longer empty promises that we have heard over seven decades. The fallout of this and the growing digital public goods (DPG) network built on the foundation of Aadhaar is the rising trust quotient in India--this was a missing ingredient which impeded the development of business. Exactly why we always preferred in person transactions in cash. Today millions are transacting with each other without ever meeting. This is because the DPG framework has developed the architecture to promote trust.
A topical subject Anil and a very important one too. The importance of women's votes in winning an election is an established phenomenon now. Hence the timely legislation, just before the elections in 2024, although not effective for the looming election, it does send a message in favor of the oft deprived gender. The progress of a nation is much faster, when women are an equal partner in all spheres. This Government has surprised many by supporting the induction of women into the armed forces, in many combat roles, unthinkable in the past. Hats off to the new India, as inclusion of women and economic progress, go hand in hand. Very comprehensive and well composed. 👌
Thank you for your thoughts and fleshing out the idea--especially the induction of women in combat roles in the country's forces.
This is a game changer no doubt. Undoubtedly, it will trigger a long overdue social churn. No idea what will emerge, but at the least it marks the end of status quo--built on decades of prejudice and abuse of power.
Another timely and informative piece from Anil! I wish to add on the political side of the issue. I hope Modi and BJP give 33% or more tickets to women candidates in the upcoming state elections and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and walk the talk, much before legislative provisions set in by 2029. In any case, if a BJP candidate wins, it is mostly because of Modi and his good work in various areas; so why not Modi tell voters that these are my ''women'' and seek their votes! In any case, BJP does not repeat about 25% of its MPs next time; so Shah and Nadda have lots of options. Further, other parties like Congress would be in serious troubles as they need to walk the talk too!
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts.
That is an interesting dare you have thrown down for the BJP. Let us see if they pick up the gauntlet. The thing is that a legacy neglect--like the legacy deficits in banking, electricity, drinking water, education and so on--is not easy to resolve. It will take time to undo the knots. Yet, signalling as you suggested is very important.
Dear Anil,
Excellent article! If a group is not represented proportionally in the political system,it's ability to influence policy making is limited.Discrimination against women must be eliminated in political and public life.
Diversity can lead to better policy formulation and governance.This bill will empower women at various levels.It will prioritise and advocate for issues that directly affect women, such as gender based violence, women's health, education and economic empowerment.
Women leaders in politics can serve as role models for young girls encouraging them to aspire for leadership positions in various fields.
It all seems good theoretically, let's see the implementation and actual results after the elections!!!
Dear Vandana,
Thank you so much.
Couldn't agree with you more. The more economic units--whether female, male--in play better it is for the economy. In India's case all the more as it is starting at a very small base. Imagine the power that will be unleashed when women in workforce grow to their potential. Simultaneously it will also reorder our social relations--something that is long overdue.
All told this move harbours great potential. But, like you rightly caution: It is all about execution.
Best
Anil
Dear Anil
Thanks for covering the Women's Reservation Bill which was practically passed uncontented. There was hardly any voice of dissent in both the Houses. As you have rightly pointed out, this is like a culmination of so many schemes which show the importance being given to women in India, more so in rural India. The promise of a toilet in every household had the health, comfort and safety of rural women in mind. The idea was scoffed at but the PM reiterated the plight of women who were being denied their basic rights. Cooking gas scheme again benefitted the rural ladies more than anyone else. They were the ones choking in smoke filled kitchens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is another example. It's true that everyone stands to benefit from clean drinking water. However, who can forget the images of so many girls and ladies walking for miles with earthenware pots balanced on their heads to collect drinking water? The onus invariably fell on the ladies. Increasing literacy rates among women, more bank accounts as well as loans in their names all reflect the empowerment of rural women. The point to be noted is that these aren't mere promises, they have become a reality. You have always highlighted this with data in the form of maps, charts, graphs and so on. I suppose the latest law enabling reservation for women is surely the icing on the many layered cake.Dear Anil
Thanks for covering the Women's Reservation Bill which was practically passed uncontented. There was hardly any voice of dissent in both the Houses. As you have rightly pointed out, this is like a culmination of so many schemes which show the importance being given to women in India, more so in rural India. The promise of a toilet in every household had the health, comfort and safety of rural women in mind. The idea was scoffed at but the PM reiterated the plight of women who were being denied their basic rights. Cooking gas scheme again benefitted the rural ladies more than anyone else. They were the ones choking in smoke filled kitchens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is another example. It's true that everyone stands to benefit from clean drinking water. However, who can forget the images of so many girls and ladies walking for miles with earthenware pots balanced on their heads to collect drinking water? The onus invariably fell on the ladies. Increasing literacy rates among women, more bank accounts as well as loans in their names all reflect the empowerment of rural women. The point to be noted is that these aren't mere promises, they have become a reality. You have always highlighted this with data in the form of maps, charts, graphs and so on. I suppose the latest law enabling reservation for women is surely the icing on the many layered cake.
Dear Ranjini,
Thank you so much for your long and considered response.
You have brought out the impact of these social welfare schemes so well. It just conveys the idea so very well.
And, you are spot on. These are no longer empty promises that we have heard over seven decades. The fallout of this and the growing digital public goods (DPG) network built on the foundation of Aadhaar is the rising trust quotient in India--this was a missing ingredient which impeded the development of business. Exactly why we always preferred in person transactions in cash. Today millions are transacting with each other without ever meeting. This is because the DPG framework has developed the architecture to promote trust.
Looking forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
A topical subject Anil and a very important one too. The importance of women's votes in winning an election is an established phenomenon now. Hence the timely legislation, just before the elections in 2024, although not effective for the looming election, it does send a message in favor of the oft deprived gender. The progress of a nation is much faster, when women are an equal partner in all spheres. This Government has surprised many by supporting the induction of women into the armed forces, in many combat roles, unthinkable in the past. Hats off to the new India, as inclusion of women and economic progress, go hand in hand. Very comprehensive and well composed. 👌
Dear Gautam,
Thank you for your thoughts and fleshing out the idea--especially the induction of women in combat roles in the country's forces.
This is a game changer no doubt. Undoubtedly, it will trigger a long overdue social churn. No idea what will emerge, but at the least it marks the end of status quo--built on decades of prejudice and abuse of power.
Best
Anil
Another timely and informative piece from Anil! I wish to add on the political side of the issue. I hope Modi and BJP give 33% or more tickets to women candidates in the upcoming state elections and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and walk the talk, much before legislative provisions set in by 2029. In any case, if a BJP candidate wins, it is mostly because of Modi and his good work in various areas; so why not Modi tell voters that these are my ''women'' and seek their votes! In any case, BJP does not repeat about 25% of its MPs next time; so Shah and Nadda have lots of options. Further, other parties like Congress would be in serious troubles as they need to walk the talk too!
Dear Surendra,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts.
That is an interesting dare you have thrown down for the BJP. Let us see if they pick up the gauntlet. The thing is that a legacy neglect--like the legacy deficits in banking, electricity, drinking water, education and so on--is not easy to resolve. It will take time to undo the knots. Yet, signalling as you suggested is very important.
Look forward to your continued particiaption.
Best
Anil