Why do women need reservation?

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India is a democratic country. In fact the largest one!. A wise man cracked a joke about democracy by saying that ‘in democracy all are equal, but some are more equal’. He mentioned our leaders with the latter part of the sentence. Democracy assures equality. Sometimes (perhaps all the time!) we are not getting this equal status. It is one of the major fault of democracy. So Churchill wisely stated that ‘democracy has so many faults, but there is no other alternative’. It is true. Democracy is the most important invention of mankind. Because it is ‘of the people, for the people and by the people’. People is a general term.

Modern world needs more specific terms. Male and female are these specific terms. People consist of these two sections. History of human evolution has done so many sins to womankind. When he started separate living, he avoided women and left household works to them.  Women first enjoyed the idle life. It took centuries to realize the fact that they have became slaves of men. Knowledge gives the power to fight, and the fight for equality started.
Now we are in the 21st century. We are supposed to be more civilized now. Civilization means goodness as a whole. On March 8, the women’s reservation bill is going to present in the Rajya Sabha.

The ruling UPA government is keen in passing the bill. UPA had chosen a woman president for India for the first time. It’s chairperson is a lady. The bill, if passed, would bring 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and the state Assemblies. The Hindu newspaper in it’s editorial termed the development as ‘best political news we have had for a long time’. March 8, 2010 marks the centenary of International woman’s day. Political parties Including opposition BJP and left parties had issued Whip to it’s members. The opposing parties want reservation within reservation! (they demand women from backward communities should get special status). Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also urged the members to support the bill.
But will reservation change the status of Indian woman? It’s a million dollar question. Today we have women parliament members and ministers. Are they really independent. I fear no. They are like dolls. Dancing for someone’s songs. Even our women ministers are no different. According to 2001 sensex the sex ratio in India is 1072 males per 1000 female. This clearly states that they are no less in number. 50 percent reservation in local bodies is another big leap. The caste based reservation in India is a sin. It will only increase the discrimination.
I hope that the bill to be passed. But much more to be done after that. Women are very important for the economy. They are more important to politics as well. There should be more and more women politicians. This will decrease the volume of corruption in this country. Responsible and Independent women politicians would change the face of India. In India’s political scenario reservation is not a privilege, but it is the right. But reservation alone will not change the fate of Indian women.

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4 Comments

1. 

   pramodthomas

   I think majority will agree with my views.

   on March 6th, 2010
2. 

   Ranjith

   I totally disagree with the woman’s reservation bill …..

   those who have the leadership qualities and caliber to rule always climb to the top…

   reservation for woman means helping the innefficient ladies climb over the much efficient peoples.. which i cant accept in my common sense..

   on March 8th, 2010
3. 

   Jimmy

   If all men were created equal why do we need elections? Can’t we just randomly select MPs and MLAs?

   You say that reservation is not a privilege but a right and also say that reservation is a sin. Are you saying we have the right to sin

   I do see benefits in making sure there is a significant representation for women in Indian politics, as they have the will and desire to address issues related to women, issues that are largely ignored now. But not for the reasons you mentioned.

   I also didn’t know the 2001 sensex had a sex ratio. LOL.

   on March 21st, 2010
4. 

   arandomperson

   @ranjith: i totally disagree with the bill too.. what you said about the women with ability is right, but not applicable in this case.. i mean, how many of those male politicians would like an able woman (read someone who can think independently and act for the good of our nation, and not for themselves or their party alone) to gain a seat in lok sabha?

   so maybe something’s better than nothing.. trying to see the glass half full you see

   on March 30th, 2010