Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation.

Alok: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power.


Neha: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have separate provision for women.


Jayesh: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests.

The conversation between Alok, Neha and Jayesh is given on the issue of equal power of women. The constitution of India grants equality between men and women by several articles and programs. The article 15 of the constitution says that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth. According to article 39(1) the state shall secure right to and sufficient livelihood to all citizens and means to life and according to article 39(D) it ensures equal pay for equal work for both men and women without discriminating between them due to their gender. But instead of implementing them in laws, in practice we find favouritism between men and women in our society which will hinder in the growth and development.


In Alok’s opinion our constitution guarantees equality between men and women and ensures growth for both the genders. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share of power and representation, but Neha wants that the budget of the local bodies should have disconnected provision for women. These financial steps will help the women to improve their conditions. In the opinion of Jayesh, it is the duty of the local body to take care of people in the village and that would take care of the women and help them in their empowerment. It is really necessary to give them some reservations in all fields to widen their horizon and increase their source of opportunity and equality. The domination of men should end in all spheres to promote women participation as much as possible. From back in time we know that the women have been backward and the underprivileged section in our society and the male had not given them much opportunity to grow within themselves.


5