WOMEN RESERVATION-INDIA

WOMEN RESERVATION BANE OR BOON? BABU.A.P

Yet another turning point in the history of women predicament in India. Is it a bane or boon? It has to be discussed in the context of historical development of women status in India, its anthropological and sociological perspectives. Many underdeveloped countries have achieved more than 50% representation in elected bodies even without any reservation. Women should exert themselves and come forword to utilise the opportunity, so that they can over rule the age old oppression and supression from the hands of “big brothers”.

Women status, over these years, have undergone multifaceted changes in India. Anthropologically speaking during the early phases of development of human culture, there were absolutely no differences in status among men and women. Cross-cultural studies by anthropologists have revealed that certain cultures in west, east and the new world still exist without any gender inequalities. Some of our neighbouring nation also have larger women representations in their respective parliaments.

India, being an 'ethnological museum' and a land of cultural diversities every act and activities will be rationalised for the sake of it. Even polygamy, female infanticised would be justified. Politicians with vested interest effectively utilise every such opportunity to gain mileage.

As happened in many part of the country in the case of reservations in local self government , back seat driving by male chauvinists may happen. If that happens every effort and aim of women reservation will be geopardised. Hence sufficient care should be taken by women activists and supporting political organisations. It may also be noted that, this single step alone would not strengthen the possition of women in India, for which earnest socio-political and economic measures should be initiated. This present attempt of empowering the women folk would defenitely leads to initiating socio-political and economic measures in future.

Hence I would again sress a single point that 'women should exert themselves and come forword to utilise the opportunity, so that they can over rule the age old oppression and supression from the hands of “big brothers”.