March 9th 2010
A historic bill granting 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was passed by the Rajya Sabha. Women's Rights Groups and NGOs were seen celebrating. Finally, Indian women, who are very badly represented in politics, got a shot in the arm, even though Yadav trio created much noise and even disrespected the Vice-President to prevent the bill from being tabled. Their wait of 14 yrs has finally ended.
In principle, this Bill seems to be great. This will increase the representation of women in Parliament and Assemblies, which is dismal compared to even Islamic countries and war-torn countries of Africa. Reservation to women in Panchayats and Local Self-governing bodies has been comparatively successful. Also, all the sections of the society should have adequate representation in the parliament. But, the problem with this bill is the same as that with having reservation for other sections of society. It does more harm than good.
The biggest problem with this Bill is the same as any other reservation in India, once they are implemented, they are there to stay. Reservation is provided to a weaker section, so that they have a chance against those with better facilities. There is nothing wrong in doing that. But the problem starts when they become dependent on that reservation. For any reservation to succeed in empowering the marginal sections, it must be gradually removed as well, so that they don't get used to it. But in India, even talking about removing reservations would lead to Bandhs, Hartals and riots.
Secondly, reserving 1/3rd of the seats for women is unjust on men. If tomorrow I wish to stand for elections from my home town, I may not be able to because the seat is reserved for women. Similarly, a male MP who may have been nurturing his constituency for many years may have to look for some other constituency because his constituency may become reserved. On the other hand, a female MP can always contest the next election from the same seat even if it has been de-reserved. In general, this will result in a lot of shuffling of MPs across constituencies. At present, none of the major parties have women candidates even remotely close to 33% of the total candidates. Wouldn't it have made more sense if the parties themselves started to have more women candidates? Instead of having a(some) token women minister(s), give 33% representation to women in cabinets as well? And even now, why only LS and Assemblies? Why not even RS and Legislative Councils? Why not in Cabinet? Even some Sarpanch and Mayor terms are reserved for women, why not the same for PM and President?
Now some facts : 1)There are not many women politicians. 2) Dynastic politics are nurtured across all parties. Result: We will see that wives, mothers and daughters of male politicians would simply become MPs from seats reserved for women and their husbands, fathers and sons would continue to be de-facto MPs (like Rabri Devi). Even now, whenever a popular leader dies, what happens to his seat? His son or wife gets the seat. So, yes, this rule will see a rise in number of women MPs but I am not sure about how many women politicians will increase because of this Bill.
The second class of women who will benefit from this Bill are celebrities. Now, be prepared to see more Jaya Pradas and Hema Malinis in the Parliament. Political parties would prefer to give nominations to even second-rung celebrities like Smriti Irani or Nagma then honest women politicians. I am not against celebrities joining politics, provided they are dedicated to it.
Also, isn't this reservation degrading women by claiming that they can't compete with men? On one hand they want equality and on the other reservation. Indira Gandhi didn't need reservation to become PM. We have lots of women at powerful positions in India. Pres. Pratibha Patil, Sonia Gandhi, Meira Kumar, Sushma Swaraj, Mayawati, Sheila Dixit, Mamata Bannerjee, Jayalalitha, Ambika Soni, Renuka Choudhary, Brinda Karat, etc.
Lastly there is nothing wrong in having more women in politics, but the problem is this Bill will result in more Rabri Devis and Jaya Pradas than Sheila Dixits...
The test for whether or not you can hold a job should not be the arrangement of your chromosomes.
JAI HIND!!!
