The larger than life presence of Sonia (dynasty) and Modi (hindutva) in Indian politics is frankly bothersome for us. If India must have a future as a (flawed but improving) democracy she should be ruled by non-communal left/right (-of-center) parties (ideally with alternate party rule every five years- the so-called Kerala model). Highest votes for the best governance should be the motto.
In the short term, the focus must also be to win the vote by showing what you can do for
women. We do not have to look afar. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have shown
the way, India just needs to follow.
That said, you go to battle with the army you have. The first step initiated by Modi (and supported by Sonia) on the Women’s Reservation bill is a hopeful sign. We look forward to many more of such initiatives.
…..BJP,
Congress and Left had joined hands to get the women’s reservation bill
passed in March 2010 but it has since languished because the UPA
government could not get past the resistance of SP, BSP, JD(U) and RJD
who insisted on reservation for OBCs and Muslims within the larger
gender quota
Mukherjee also said the government
will work to ensure that by 2022, every family has a “pucca house with
water connection, toilet facilities, 24×7 electricity supply and
access”.
……
…..
….
The President’s speech was a bouquet of beautiful (if familiar) words, there must be now be consistent action and accountability.
…………..
Pushed
to the backburner for the last four years, the women’s reservation bill
appears closest now to being passed with the Narendra Modi government
expressing its commitment for 33% reservation for women in Parliament
and state assemblies.
Spelling out the Modi government’s agenda
in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament, President Pranab
Mukjerjee said on Monday, “My government recognizes the important role
our women play in the development of our society and growth of the
nation. It is committed to providing 33% reservation to them in
Parliament and state legislative assemblies.”
While similar
resolves for women’s quota in legislatures were expressed in the past as
well, the fresh pledge sounds credible both because of BJP’s absolute
majority in Lok Sabha as well as the near-rout of SP, BSP, JD(U) and RJD
who vetoed the implementation.
Stressing that women’s welfare
will be one of the thrust areas for the new government, Mukherjee
announced the launch of a country wide ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ (save
girl child, teach girl child) campaign to save the girl child and
enable her education and prevent crimes against women by strengthening
the criminal justice system.
He also put the challenge of
communal violence on the same footing as terrorism, extremism and crime,
stressing that the government would follow a “zero tolerance” approach
towards all. “A national plan will be chalked out in consultation with
the state governments to effectively curb incidents of communal violence
and the challenges posed by left wing extremism,” said the President
BJP,
Congress and Left had joined hands to get the women’s reservation bill
passed in March 2010 but it has since languished because the UPA
government could not get past the resistance of SP, BSP, JD(U) and RJD
who insisted on reservation for OBCs and Muslims within the larger
gender quota.
….Though
the Modi government can get the bill through the Lok Sabha on its own
steam, its task will be made that much easier because of the support
from Congress and Left. In fact, Congress president Sonia Gandhi thumped
her desk in approval when the President listed protection of women
among priorities of the new government.
About the ‘Beti
Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign, the President said, “It will structure a
comprehensive scheme, incorporating best practices from states in this
regard.”
The President was speaking against the backdrop of a
spate of horrific crimes against women in UP and elsewhere, and he
referred to that. “In the recent past, the country has witnessed some
gruesome incidents of violence against women. The government will have a
policy of zero tolerance for violence against women, and will
strengthen the criminal justice system for its effective
implementation,” he said.
Mukherjee also said the government
will work to ensure that by 2022, every family has a “pucca house with
water connection, toilet facilities, 24×7 electricity supply and
access”.
He also said that the government would set up Lokpal and would spread e-governance.
……
regards