“Just write a post card, addressed to the C.M. Gandhinagar, if at all, any of you find the quality of the goods given, dissatisfactory, by any chance. I will set the concerned officer straight..”
These words were stated by the Hon. C.M. Shri Narendra Modi, in the very first Garib Kalyan Mela held at Kutch, on the 16th January, 2010. He appealed to people, who were to receive the aid on behalf of Garib Kalyan Yojna [originally proposed by the center, but to be implemented by the respective states, to abolish the established existence of middleman, who would grab away the cream of the aid to be received by the underprivileged.
The examples are one and many..
The sweet smile while receiving the concerned help, in the form of cash and kind, have lit up the faces of people living below poverty line.
For all these years, different aids and help by Govt. and semi Govt. organizations have been announced. Some implemented halfheartedly, some eaten up by the middlemen. The consistent benefits have been far and few.
And,
As a result, the underprivileged have remained deprived, no matter whatever the scheme announced.
Shri Modiji and his team of Ministers and Bureaucrats took it up on the Gujarat Govt. to conduct the Garib Kalyan Melas in each remote districts of the state and empower the unfortunates, with their right.
Thus, the 1,500 crores worth benefits would reach directly in the hands of the needy. The complicatedness of process, of contacting the concerned officer and department, procuring the necessary information regarding the available facility was always cumbersome as well as time consuming. To eradicate the convoluted procedures, the “brain child” of Shri Narendra Modi, was Garib Kalyan Mela, which would unable the destitute to receive the aid and that too, very respectably.
To state a few of the benefits received by the beneficiary, are..
1. Amreli-Rs. 120.69 crore worth of Govt. schemes to be distributed among the 63089 beneficiaries.
2. Narmada- At Dediapada, on behalf of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojna, Rs. 94 crores state Govt. benefits to be received by the 60,000 tribals.
3. Mehsana-At Visnagar, 42,000 needy, to be rewarded help worth Rs. 44.44 crores, directly.
4. Banaskantha-At Tharad, more than 92,000, depriveds were presented with the aid of worth Rs.68 crores.
5. Sabarkantha-More than 67,000 unfortunates were gifted with benefits worth Rs. 69 crores, in a single day.
6. Valsad- In Dharampur, Kaprada, about 2000 destitute tribals were awarded aids worth Rs. 42 crores.
7. Vadaodara-In Dabhoi, more than 31,000 poors gained the help worth Rs. 30 crores.
8. Anand- 47,538 underprivileged, earned the benefits worth Rs. 90.15 crores.
9. Kheda-33,ooo poors received the aid worth Rs. 60 crore.
10. Ahmedabad- 45,750 destitute to receive the benefits worth Rs. 40 crores from 6 talukas.
11. Jamnagar- 30,000 on the breadline, received the aid worth Rs. 48.50 crores.
12. Surat- At Aulpad, 43,530 beneficiaries, received gadgets worth Rs. 75 crores.
13. The 73,000 deprived from 5 talukas to be rewarded with benefits worth Rs. 80 crores.
And, these are just a few of the examples... The mammoth job undertaken by Shri Modi’s Govt. is mega in every perspective.
The unfortunate young widow, Rekhaben Rathore of Aulpad, Surat will be able to earn livelihood, respectably as she has been rewarded from Social Security Scheme, a Sewing Machine, worth Rs. 5,000.
In the same manner, Dholabhai Sodhaparmar of Kaprupur, who is a farm laborer, realized his dream of owning his own roof, as he received the benefit of housing facility, under the Indira Awas Yojna.
The labour named Kallabhai Lakhubhai of Jamnagar’s Falla village received Solar Lamp and Solar panel worth Rs. 5,000. Kallabhai is a labour and earns Rs. 80 to 100 per day.
And the list is unending...
The ministers including the Hon. C.M. and bureaucrats had taken up this task of distributing the aids personally... Thus, the joy of receiving was doubled as well as feeling of honor was experienced.
In true sense, it was a unique occurrence.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Intention, Dedication and Imagination...
Recently, a unique occurrence was experienced and that was a precedent set by Gujarat...
Generally it is observed that the politicians grab the credit for every achievements of the government and the hard work done by the government machinery goes unnoticed. Resultantly bureaucracy loses interest in public work. Few clean bureaucrats stop working altogether. Corruption becomes the only motivation for going in to the government service.
Let’s face it. The words ‘Clean’ and ‘Bureaucrat’ have become antonyms. Immediately after the independence leaders had felt that Indian Administrative Service system should be discontinued. Sardar felt that the system had served well during the post-independence turmoil and will serve well later too, so it should be retained. So it was. Lately it has become a subject of many a debate if that was the right decision. Common experience of government machinery is that of complete apathy, indifference and rampant corruption.
But the fact is that the government machinery is made of humans. A good leader should and would find a way to nurture and guide government servants along with his electoral. Inspire and encourage them. After all inspiration, encouragement and rewards are as important as monthly salary. Which government servant would like to work under abusive, egocentric and none appreciative boss? Most of the leaders till date have made use of government machinery without realizing that government servants need their share of credit too.
Shri Narendra Modi has started this welcome trend of appreciating public servants in Gujarat. The bureaucrats are honored in each district for their exemplary work in conducting THE GARIB KALYAN MELAs. On 18th of this month, one such program was held in Palanpur, in North Gujarat by the youngest M.L.A. Anil Mali.
The Garib Kalyan Yojna that is initiated by the Center and to be implemented by the state has various welfare programs for the downtrodden. Even though the scheme is initiated by the Manmohan Singh Govt. it has hardly achieved realization anywhere in India. Including the UPA led states.
Where as, Gujarat took the lead in getting it into reality by arranging Garib Kalyan Melas in each district of Gujarat. Each mela was a huge affair. Beneficiaries of the said scheme were given chaques or other articals, as per the norms of the scheme, personally by the Honorable Chief Minsiter of Gujarat and other Honorable Ministers.
There were 48 such schemes for Ahmedabad city alone. Schemes such as UMMID where youngster with little schooling will get vocational training worth Rs. 5500 for as little as Rs. 500, or VAY-VANDANA YOJANA where senior citizen is given pension of Rs. 500 per month, were held throughout the year. These schemes cover areas such as health, education, higher education, employment, self employment, inter-caste marriage with the goal to eradicate caste system, help for small scale and cottage industries, cash help at the time of girl’s marriage, giving tool-kit worth Rs. 3000-4000, help to study overseas, DEEKARI YOJANA to encourage family planning among couples having only two daughters and no son, help for widows, micro finance and subsidized finance, help to traditional artisans under VAJPEYEE BLANKET YOJANA, DR. AMBEDKAR SAFAI KAMDAR AWAS YOJANA, child care, care of pregnant women, care for senior citizens and many many more. There are as many corresponding schemes for the rural population. Garib Kalyan yojana has become such a success due to many reasons but the most important is these Melas. Ministers gave the benefits directly to the beneficiaries without any corrupt middleman.
Various government officers of various levels were used for the success of these Melas. Leaders kept a strict vigil to dissuade public servants from corrupt practices.
And now the same government is bringing these public servants and their good work in public eyes. These felicitation programs will have many fold effect. It will give encouragement to the public servants for working selflessly. It will create the atmosphere of trust. It will introduce the beneficiaries of the Garib Kalayan Yojana to the executors of the same.
Intention, Dedication and Imagination... a leader with these three qualities can bring real change and happiness to the masses. Gujarat is fortunate to get such a leader in Shri Narendra Modi.
Generally it is observed that the politicians grab the credit for every achievements of the government and the hard work done by the government machinery goes unnoticed. Resultantly bureaucracy loses interest in public work. Few clean bureaucrats stop working altogether. Corruption becomes the only motivation for going in to the government service.
Let’s face it. The words ‘Clean’ and ‘Bureaucrat’ have become antonyms. Immediately after the independence leaders had felt that Indian Administrative Service system should be discontinued. Sardar felt that the system had served well during the post-independence turmoil and will serve well later too, so it should be retained. So it was. Lately it has become a subject of many a debate if that was the right decision. Common experience of government machinery is that of complete apathy, indifference and rampant corruption.
But the fact is that the government machinery is made of humans. A good leader should and would find a way to nurture and guide government servants along with his electoral. Inspire and encourage them. After all inspiration, encouragement and rewards are as important as monthly salary. Which government servant would like to work under abusive, egocentric and none appreciative boss? Most of the leaders till date have made use of government machinery without realizing that government servants need their share of credit too.
Shri Narendra Modi has started this welcome trend of appreciating public servants in Gujarat. The bureaucrats are honored in each district for their exemplary work in conducting THE GARIB KALYAN MELAs. On 18th of this month, one such program was held in Palanpur, in North Gujarat by the youngest M.L.A. Anil Mali.
The Garib Kalyan Yojna that is initiated by the Center and to be implemented by the state has various welfare programs for the downtrodden. Even though the scheme is initiated by the Manmohan Singh Govt. it has hardly achieved realization anywhere in India. Including the UPA led states.
Where as, Gujarat took the lead in getting it into reality by arranging Garib Kalyan Melas in each district of Gujarat. Each mela was a huge affair. Beneficiaries of the said scheme were given chaques or other articals, as per the norms of the scheme, personally by the Honorable Chief Minsiter of Gujarat and other Honorable Ministers.
There were 48 such schemes for Ahmedabad city alone. Schemes such as UMMID where youngster with little schooling will get vocational training worth Rs. 5500 for as little as Rs. 500, or VAY-VANDANA YOJANA where senior citizen is given pension of Rs. 500 per month, were held throughout the year. These schemes cover areas such as health, education, higher education, employment, self employment, inter-caste marriage with the goal to eradicate caste system, help for small scale and cottage industries, cash help at the time of girl’s marriage, giving tool-kit worth Rs. 3000-4000, help to study overseas, DEEKARI YOJANA to encourage family planning among couples having only two daughters and no son, help for widows, micro finance and subsidized finance, help to traditional artisans under VAJPEYEE BLANKET YOJANA, DR. AMBEDKAR SAFAI KAMDAR AWAS YOJANA, child care, care of pregnant women, care for senior citizens and many many more. There are as many corresponding schemes for the rural population. Garib Kalyan yojana has become such a success due to many reasons but the most important is these Melas. Ministers gave the benefits directly to the beneficiaries without any corrupt middleman.
Various government officers of various levels were used for the success of these Melas. Leaders kept a strict vigil to dissuade public servants from corrupt practices.
And now the same government is bringing these public servants and their good work in public eyes. These felicitation programs will have many fold effect. It will give encouragement to the public servants for working selflessly. It will create the atmosphere of trust. It will introduce the beneficiaries of the Garib Kalayan Yojana to the executors of the same.
Intention, Dedication and Imagination... a leader with these three qualities can bring real change and happiness to the masses. Gujarat is fortunate to get such a leader in Shri Narendra Modi.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Lit-Up Lamp.. in the hearts of Women of Gujarat..
Its been an age old tradition to enlist the prosperity times on the name of patriarch of the family and in succession, to be handed over to the male hair. The women, who provided equal support in every which way, had accepted this scenario as their fate..
Centuries ago, in Pre-vedic era, the position of the women, was considered respectful and pious. But with the advent of Islam and in post Vedic period, the women lost the importance of being a partner to men in real sense.. With passage of time, this situation, though desolate, had become part of women’s psyche and she accepted whatever misery that followed with no property, not even a house or a piece of land to call her own.
And,
In lot many cases, women suffered tightlipped..
Sometimes, if widowed or divorced, or if not in such heart-breaking situations, than many a times, in financial difficult times, a piece of land on the name of women, be it mother, wife, daughter or a sister.. could prove to be a roof over the entire family..
But,
The prevailing tradition and thus the prevailing mindsets of the society curtails womenfolk to be owner of the house, factory, farm or a shop .
In reality, the talks of women empowerment and women reservation would turn out to be futile unless women folks are socially, economically and thus mentally fully secured. The women do have the capability to conquer any grim situation, but a home or a property to call her own would ensure relaxed and respected living for her..
And,
for the same,
The Gujarat Govt. has taken the lead..
The Gujarat Govt. under the able and dedicated leadership of Hon. C.M. Shri Narendra Modi, has taken the initiative to provide great honor to the women of the state. The Revenue ministry, in Gujarat, under the dashing minister, Smt. Anandiben Patel, has brought forward the boom in real estate in Gujarat and many beneficiaries are Gujarati women..
In the last 5 years, 8.22 lakhs Gujarati families and business houses have given the Property ownership to v8 lakhs women. The Govt. authorized price for the above mentioned property, on the name of women in Gujarat, turns out to be of 18,200 crore Rs.
The Gujarat Govt. altered the amount to be charged as Stamp Duty and other Documentation fees on property, since June 2004. Accordingly, the fees which used to be charged at 1% of the total value of the property purchased, was to be abolished, if the property was bought on the name of the women of the household..
The following chart projects the amount presented to Respected Mataji, Behanji, Bhabhiji or beti.
year Registered Documents On the name of women Value of the property.
2004 2,28,511 51,320 1,030
2005 5,00,494 1,07,199 1,876
2006 6,25,461 1,06,249 3,582
2007 6,80,171 1,47,572 3,775
2008 8,26,230 1,87,006 4,741
2009 6,76,161 1,30,371 4,213
Jan.10 71,472 13,492 460
Total 36,08,500 7,43,119 19,677
[All the amount to be noted in crore]
This is a portray of economically sound and thus mentally peaceful women of Gujarat, of today..
Due to this decision, in the process of uplifting the women of the state, the Govt. has had to bear the loss of 196.77 crores, which could have been earned as Stamp Duty.
But,
The welfare of women has been and is of prime importance to Govt. of Gujarat.
Alone in Ahmedabad, 42 thousand females have availed this facility and property worth 2,147 crore have been registered on the names of the womem.
In Surat, the property worth Rs. 1,140 crore have registered on the name o0f females.
In Rajkot, 38,140 women have been awarded this facility and Rs. 965 crores have been given away as removal of Stamp Duty.
In Vadodara, 20,865 women have been empowered by property worth Rs. 824 crores.
In Kutch, 27,540 females have been rewarded the removal of Stamp Duty and the property worth Rs 323 crores.
Thus,
While celebrating the “Swarnim Gujarat”,
The Hon. Gujarat Govt. has taken inventiveness in strengthening and honoring the conditions of Maa, Behan, Beti of the state..
And,
As a Gujarati Women, it is a moment of pride that lights up my soul..
Centuries ago, in Pre-vedic era, the position of the women, was considered respectful and pious. But with the advent of Islam and in post Vedic period, the women lost the importance of being a partner to men in real sense.. With passage of time, this situation, though desolate, had become part of women’s psyche and she accepted whatever misery that followed with no property, not even a house or a piece of land to call her own.
And,
In lot many cases, women suffered tightlipped..
Sometimes, if widowed or divorced, or if not in such heart-breaking situations, than many a times, in financial difficult times, a piece of land on the name of women, be it mother, wife, daughter or a sister.. could prove to be a roof over the entire family..
But,
The prevailing tradition and thus the prevailing mindsets of the society curtails womenfolk to be owner of the house, factory, farm or a shop .
In reality, the talks of women empowerment and women reservation would turn out to be futile unless women folks are socially, economically and thus mentally fully secured. The women do have the capability to conquer any grim situation, but a home or a property to call her own would ensure relaxed and respected living for her..
And,
for the same,
The Gujarat Govt. has taken the lead..
The Gujarat Govt. under the able and dedicated leadership of Hon. C.M. Shri Narendra Modi, has taken the initiative to provide great honor to the women of the state. The Revenue ministry, in Gujarat, under the dashing minister, Smt. Anandiben Patel, has brought forward the boom in real estate in Gujarat and many beneficiaries are Gujarati women..
In the last 5 years, 8.22 lakhs Gujarati families and business houses have given the Property ownership to v8 lakhs women. The Govt. authorized price for the above mentioned property, on the name of women in Gujarat, turns out to be of 18,200 crore Rs.
The Gujarat Govt. altered the amount to be charged as Stamp Duty and other Documentation fees on property, since June 2004. Accordingly, the fees which used to be charged at 1% of the total value of the property purchased, was to be abolished, if the property was bought on the name of the women of the household..
The following chart projects the amount presented to Respected Mataji, Behanji, Bhabhiji or beti.
year Registered Documents On the name of women Value of the property.
2004 2,28,511 51,320 1,030
2005 5,00,494 1,07,199 1,876
2006 6,25,461 1,06,249 3,582
2007 6,80,171 1,47,572 3,775
2008 8,26,230 1,87,006 4,741
2009 6,76,161 1,30,371 4,213
Jan.10 71,472 13,492 460
Total 36,08,500 7,43,119 19,677
[All the amount to be noted in crore]
This is a portray of economically sound and thus mentally peaceful women of Gujarat, of today..
Due to this decision, in the process of uplifting the women of the state, the Govt. has had to bear the loss of 196.77 crores, which could have been earned as Stamp Duty.
But,
The welfare of women has been and is of prime importance to Govt. of Gujarat.
Alone in Ahmedabad, 42 thousand females have availed this facility and property worth 2,147 crore have been registered on the names of the womem.
In Surat, the property worth Rs. 1,140 crore have registered on the name o0f females.
In Rajkot, 38,140 women have been awarded this facility and Rs. 965 crores have been given away as removal of Stamp Duty.
In Vadodara, 20,865 women have been empowered by property worth Rs. 824 crores.
In Kutch, 27,540 females have been rewarded the removal of Stamp Duty and the property worth Rs 323 crores.
Thus,
While celebrating the “Swarnim Gujarat”,
The Hon. Gujarat Govt. has taken inventiveness in strengthening and honoring the conditions of Maa, Behan, Beti of the state..
And,
As a Gujarati Women, it is a moment of pride that lights up my soul..
Friday, May 7, 2010
Woman Empowerment..Nari Shakti, the call of the day..
The impact of Islamic influence proved to be distressful for women living in Indian sub-continent. Later, when British came and the Indian sub-continent was put under the British rule, the same plight of the women continued.
The Indian women have been confined and locked in the four walls of her home since long time and has lost the courage to have her own opinion or exert her views to the society. As a result, the role of man in her life has become of a decision maker and however capable, she may be, she has always remained a second class citizen. After independence, she has been given the right to vote and voice her opinion but her opinions are generally reflection of the male member of her family... She is not necessarily incapable of taking an assessment on her own but probably, she has been forced to believe that she lacks the skills to work with the outside world and does not understand the nitty-gritty of leading a public life.
Women, when given the correct spotlight, have always proved her mettle... The examples are innumerable... Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Late Smt. Benazir Bhutto, Smt. Sheikh Hasina, Late Smt. Sarojini Naidu, Smt. Jayawantiben Mehta, Smt. Anandiben Patel, Hon. President Smt. Pratibhatai Patil.. The list is endless... But these are just the few examples from our talented lot... Most of others, however capable they are, do not have the opportunity to prove themselves as our society, by rituals and beliefs, has turned into a male dominating.
To incorporate the habit of participation in public life, among the women in today’s India, the Women Reservation is a must.
Mainly,
The reason for this is as follows...
The women‘s psyche, for years has been abused and dishonored and they have always been considered an inferior human being..If not inferior, in some societies, but always homebound and her work domain has always been within the four walls of the house and matters related to it... A small illustration is in order. There are only few families having knowledge of the making of legendary Patan Patola. This art is at least thousand years old and inherited from father to son. Even today this art is never taught to the women of the house. Daughter-in-law may learn a bit, but only after she has delivered a son. Daughters of the family are not allowed to even enter the room where the processes of Patola making is going on.
Women are discriminated against at every step and the practice of discrimination has taken such deep roots that not many, even women, recognize this as an injustice. Women have lost courage to step out. The ones who are gifted with the capacities for the betterment of the society, as much as the man himself, also hesitates to step in the outer world. Out of fear of hurting the egos or the pride of male of the family and the society.
The Women’s Reservation Bill would ensure that their involvement in the public life... And not be a matter of tug-of-war between male and female.
It is indeed shameful that the question and fight regarding women’ reservation has to arise... The Indian Constitutions has officially presented the right of equality to women since India became Republic, but the irony is the prevalent atmosphere, which hinders the equal status to be cherished by the women.
According to the last census, the ratio of male-female in India is nearly the same but the contribution in workload is more than 33%. And the rest 66% is in the household chorus. Yet, the women earn only 10% of the total income earned. This shows that the women must be given at least 40% reservation. Out of rest of 60%, the men should be provided with the equal 40% and the rest of 20% on the basis of merit, regardless of their sex.
The reservation for women is not the end to their problems but could be a beginning of their walk on the different kind of thorny road at the end of which, the Green House of achievement awaits...
The road is not so smooth and glossy. There are many hurdles on the way...
But,
The Women Reservation ensures the entire society, the men and women equal to dedicate their complete energy for the uplifting of the fellow beings and no bargain in regards to their sex is provided.
In the current political scenario, most of the major political posts are occupied by women. We have the first woman president since independence, Smt. Pratibha Devi Sinh Patil... The first woman speaker of Lok Sabha, Smt. Meera Kumar, Congress president Smt. Sonia Gandhi, The Leader of Opposition, Smt. Sushma Swaraj are all doing exceptional work in their chosen fields.. To top it all, Mamta Banerjee, The Bengal Tigress is giving a tough competition to veteran male politicians Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the West Bengal C.M. Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. Same is the case with Jaylalitha in Tamil Nadu. The most exceptional example being of Mayawati, who has single handedly fought against the trio – Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadis, the Congress and the BJP – and prevailed successfully.
In the field of astronomy, Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams are names to reckon with Smt. Jaya Bachchan, Smt. Jaya Prada, Smt. Shabana Azmi and Smt. Hema Malini have proven their mettle having a dual career of performer as well as politician. In the field of sports, Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal have brought glories for the nation in Tennis and Badminton respectively. In the field of dance and music, Respected Lataji, Ashaji, Sitara Devi and Mrinalini Sarabhai are the shining stars of India...
Thus,
Women have the capability to sparkle in every possible fields and truly deserves the opportunity to shoulder the burden and enjoy the fruits, as much and as men himself.
But,
Sadly, the condition of women, in every corners of India, even today, remain despondent. The womenfolk may be considered “Matrurupa” according to our social sensibility but in practice, the reality presents a totally different picture. As the technological development and economical progress is speeding up and new urban areas being developed, the man of the family, running swiftly, to keep up the pace and take a share of the growth.
But,
The women of the household have not been presented with equal opportunity to run rapidly and taste the fruits of the tree named “Growth”. They are lagging behind, as Second Class citizens, though they enjoy equal power, constitutionally. [Probably, this could be attributed to, the womenfolks, employing themselves, in household affairs, though equally important in smooth functioning of society, but, is a not a moneymaking activity.]
And,
As a result, the situation of women, turned into a bitter tale to tell. With no money power at their disposal, they are made to live a dependent life. In the cases of widows and divorced women, the trauma was worse. With no money in hand and no roof on top, their misery is incomparable. Providing equal education and political reservation are the only ways.
And,
Gujarat has taken the lead, in ensuring the “Matrurupa” their dues..
Shri Narendra Modiji has taken a lead by providing political reservation in all local elections. Of course this bill is yet to pass. Shri Modiji knows that it may take years to actually bring women in the forefront only through electoral reservation. So he has convinced the BJP Gujarat to reserve 50% for women in party too. This shows his real commitment to women’s cause and he deserves salutes from all women.
The Indian women have been confined and locked in the four walls of her home since long time and has lost the courage to have her own opinion or exert her views to the society. As a result, the role of man in her life has become of a decision maker and however capable, she may be, she has always remained a second class citizen. After independence, she has been given the right to vote and voice her opinion but her opinions are generally reflection of the male member of her family... She is not necessarily incapable of taking an assessment on her own but probably, she has been forced to believe that she lacks the skills to work with the outside world and does not understand the nitty-gritty of leading a public life.
Women, when given the correct spotlight, have always proved her mettle... The examples are innumerable... Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Late Smt. Benazir Bhutto, Smt. Sheikh Hasina, Late Smt. Sarojini Naidu, Smt. Jayawantiben Mehta, Smt. Anandiben Patel, Hon. President Smt. Pratibhatai Patil.. The list is endless... But these are just the few examples from our talented lot... Most of others, however capable they are, do not have the opportunity to prove themselves as our society, by rituals and beliefs, has turned into a male dominating.
To incorporate the habit of participation in public life, among the women in today’s India, the Women Reservation is a must.
Mainly,
The reason for this is as follows...
The women‘s psyche, for years has been abused and dishonored and they have always been considered an inferior human being..If not inferior, in some societies, but always homebound and her work domain has always been within the four walls of the house and matters related to it... A small illustration is in order. There are only few families having knowledge of the making of legendary Patan Patola. This art is at least thousand years old and inherited from father to son. Even today this art is never taught to the women of the house. Daughter-in-law may learn a bit, but only after she has delivered a son. Daughters of the family are not allowed to even enter the room where the processes of Patola making is going on.
Women are discriminated against at every step and the practice of discrimination has taken such deep roots that not many, even women, recognize this as an injustice. Women have lost courage to step out. The ones who are gifted with the capacities for the betterment of the society, as much as the man himself, also hesitates to step in the outer world. Out of fear of hurting the egos or the pride of male of the family and the society.
The Women’s Reservation Bill would ensure that their involvement in the public life... And not be a matter of tug-of-war between male and female.
It is indeed shameful that the question and fight regarding women’ reservation has to arise... The Indian Constitutions has officially presented the right of equality to women since India became Republic, but the irony is the prevalent atmosphere, which hinders the equal status to be cherished by the women.
According to the last census, the ratio of male-female in India is nearly the same but the contribution in workload is more than 33%. And the rest 66% is in the household chorus. Yet, the women earn only 10% of the total income earned. This shows that the women must be given at least 40% reservation. Out of rest of 60%, the men should be provided with the equal 40% and the rest of 20% on the basis of merit, regardless of their sex.
The reservation for women is not the end to their problems but could be a beginning of their walk on the different kind of thorny road at the end of which, the Green House of achievement awaits...
The road is not so smooth and glossy. There are many hurdles on the way...
But,
The Women Reservation ensures the entire society, the men and women equal to dedicate their complete energy for the uplifting of the fellow beings and no bargain in regards to their sex is provided.
In the current political scenario, most of the major political posts are occupied by women. We have the first woman president since independence, Smt. Pratibha Devi Sinh Patil... The first woman speaker of Lok Sabha, Smt. Meera Kumar, Congress president Smt. Sonia Gandhi, The Leader of Opposition, Smt. Sushma Swaraj are all doing exceptional work in their chosen fields.. To top it all, Mamta Banerjee, The Bengal Tigress is giving a tough competition to veteran male politicians Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the West Bengal C.M. Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya. Same is the case with Jaylalitha in Tamil Nadu. The most exceptional example being of Mayawati, who has single handedly fought against the trio – Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadis, the Congress and the BJP – and prevailed successfully.
In the field of astronomy, Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams are names to reckon with Smt. Jaya Bachchan, Smt. Jaya Prada, Smt. Shabana Azmi and Smt. Hema Malini have proven their mettle having a dual career of performer as well as politician. In the field of sports, Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal have brought glories for the nation in Tennis and Badminton respectively. In the field of dance and music, Respected Lataji, Ashaji, Sitara Devi and Mrinalini Sarabhai are the shining stars of India...
Thus,
Women have the capability to sparkle in every possible fields and truly deserves the opportunity to shoulder the burden and enjoy the fruits, as much and as men himself.
But,
Sadly, the condition of women, in every corners of India, even today, remain despondent. The womenfolk may be considered “Matrurupa” according to our social sensibility but in practice, the reality presents a totally different picture. As the technological development and economical progress is speeding up and new urban areas being developed, the man of the family, running swiftly, to keep up the pace and take a share of the growth.
But,
The women of the household have not been presented with equal opportunity to run rapidly and taste the fruits of the tree named “Growth”. They are lagging behind, as Second Class citizens, though they enjoy equal power, constitutionally. [Probably, this could be attributed to, the womenfolks, employing themselves, in household affairs, though equally important in smooth functioning of society, but, is a not a moneymaking activity.]
And,
As a result, the situation of women, turned into a bitter tale to tell. With no money power at their disposal, they are made to live a dependent life. In the cases of widows and divorced women, the trauma was worse. With no money in hand and no roof on top, their misery is incomparable. Providing equal education and political reservation are the only ways.
And,
Gujarat has taken the lead, in ensuring the “Matrurupa” their dues..
Shri Narendra Modiji has taken a lead by providing political reservation in all local elections. Of course this bill is yet to pass. Shri Modiji knows that it may take years to actually bring women in the forefront only through electoral reservation. So he has convinced the BJP Gujarat to reserve 50% for women in party too. This shows his real commitment to women’s cause and he deserves salutes from all women.
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