Will Women's Reservation Bill make any Difference

The parliamentary reservation will certainly have an impact on most women in the country. This particular piece of legislation will set in motion a major part of women's mobilization. It is a critical step forward not just for women but for Indian Society and economy in general.

Therefore, the landmark Women's Reservation Bill, which is passed in the Rajya Sabha on 9.3.2010 and awaiting clearance from Parliament, would undoubtedly make following major differences to the prevailing conditions of women in India:

1. It would bring women a step closer to parity with men;
2. It would permit women freedom based on existing constitutional rights;
3. It would ensure women's rights and dignity on the basis of real-life conditions;
4. It would enhance women's participation in the decision / policy making process;
5. It would assist in maintaining "status of women";
6. It would pave the way for a gender just society.
7. It would create special opportunities for women to participate in the representative structure of local governments, as well;
8. It would provide an access to confidently enter the corridors of power and shoulder new responsibilities.
9. It would set in motion a major part of women's mobilization.
10. It is bound to re-define political equations.

Women in India would certainly owe a warm regard to Geeta Mukherjee, MP – Communist Party of India – and head of Parliamentary Select Committee on the Constitution (81^st) Amendment Bill, under whose recommendations, the basis for a broad consensus on this significant amendment, has been formed, way back in 1996. Of course, thanks also go to the unceasing efforts of women's organizations in India, in pursuing the matter with different authorities.

As mentioned in the beginning, the rightful and legitimate doors would open for women to actively participate in the day to day working of our nation and it would also ensure that all the benefits provided in the Constitution of India, are made available to the lowest rank of the society. Unfortunately, until date, due to the very minimal representation of women in all the Government functionaries, the legitimate benefits were denied to the poorest of poor. By virtue of the current 'reservation bill', the women would be a commendable part of the local representatives and they would show their ability and the style as to how the Government should function for and in the interest of general public.

If we go into the details of various government schemes, so far approved, we would come to know that, a large chunk of people is unaware of it. Though, it was and is the mandatory duty of the officers – right from Talathi to Tahasildar – to bring to the notice, the contents of said schemes, to all beneficiaries, they have miserably failed in their responsibilities. Consequently, the general people of India were deprived of their rightful benefits and thereby could not improve their living conditions.

As we all know, the woman is first a mother and then she has several roles to play. By the grace of God, she has kind heart and is always unbiased. She has the capability to control all the situations tactfully. She is rational and treats all equally. In fact, she is the best manager and knows how to keep all satisfied. She hates bribe and therefore gradually the corruption would be out of our nation. Thus, she has all the merits and therefore deserves salute from all of us.

With the adequate representation of women in Parliament and State Govt., by virtue of the Women's Reservation Bill and having so much of credentials, there is every possibility that, once they are empowered, they would streamline the government procedures. They will take the default government staff to the task and would make them to function efficiently. Obviously, no sooner the government machinery runs in perfect order than the benefits which are meant for the general public, would automatically be delivered to the concerned, very easily and uninterruptedly.

The poor would not be required to visit Government Offices, every now and then. But, on the contrary, the Government would go to their door steps and would enlighten them about the benefits and schemes which Govt. wishes to avail of by them. The historic Bill will pave the way for a gender just society. Women's active participation in politics will have ripple effects in the social arena as well, changing gender dynamics for the better. Every issue, whether developmental, social or economic, will be seen from the gender perspective. Moreover, it will mean that there will be stringent action by the state against discrimination and violence against women.

Moreover, the parliamentary reservation would unleash a broader process as there is a dynamic that can be set in motion by sheer numbers. Women's significant representation in the Parliament and State Governments would increase the likelihood of more gender-sensitive legislation as well as the culture of the house. Such a different focus on Govt. policies and programmes would certainly help the majority of women. Empowered individual women would be permitted to speak up, would also be heard and taken seriously across the political spectrum. This will have an overall effect.

As far as 'health care of women' is concerned, there is a substantial negligence. The women in the elected legislative bodies will be able to direct greater attention to this issue. They would also arrange to provide accessible, affordable and accountable quality health services to all sections of society. Last but not the least, there is a need for a law that would recognize as equal – women and their husbands – or live-in-partners. A due care shall be taken by the elected women legislative members to redress this burning issue, in their tenure of parliamentarian or legislator.

In short, once the women come to the power, 'Ram Rajya' would be arrived in our Nation and we all will be happy, satisfied and mentally peaceful Indians. What else do we need?

Since Independence, there has been a skewed gender ratio in State and Union Politics. Globally, this is because, ours is a largely male dominated system and therefore female is suppressed on all the fronts, adversely affected, limited exposure to public life is permitted, restricted to household based tasks and thereby put at the receiving ends. Despite this, there were a few females such as Pandita Ramabai, Tarabai Shinde, Savitribai Phule, Anandibai Joshi and Durgabai Deshmukh, who were at the forefront of reformist movements in the country and fought for the rights of women. Their explicit performance will always be remembered by every one of us and can be our role models.

Now, this trend would change once the Bill is converted into a Law. Then, nobody can challenge the existence of women in power. Indeed, it would be a 'golden day' when the Bill become Law. So, the differences, hurdles, vested interests, if any, should be countered effectively and must overcome well in time so as to get the Bill adopted in Parliament.

So let us support the 'Women's Reservation Bill' – which is almost on the threshold of being passed - wholeheartedly and ensure that the Bill is adopted in Parliament too and becomes the Law, very soon.

-Sangeeta S Godbole