Women-Led Development Initiatives in the Rajya Sabha (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context
- Under the leadership of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the Rajya Sabha has embarked on a series of transformative measures aimed at empowering women in the Indian Parliament.
- These initiatives reflect a broader government agenda of women-led development, ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but also active participants in governance and decision-making.
Introduction: Women-Led Development
- The notion of “women-led development” emphasizes that women should be integral to the development process, actively participating in shaping policies and decisions.
- This approach was prominently featured during India’s G20 presidency, underscoring its importance on the global stage.
Women in the Indian Parliament
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar has been instrumental in advancing the role of women within the Rajya Sabha, recognizing their vital contribution to economic and governance spheres.
Historic Measures:
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023:
- This landmark legislation, aimed at reserving seats for women in the legislature, represents a significant step towards gender parity in Indian politics.
Reconstitution of Vice-Chairpersons’ Panel:
- In a symbolic and practical move, Dhankar reconstituted the panel of vice-chairpersons to include exclusively women members, with four women nominated to represent 50% of the panel.
- This reconstitution highlights a commitment to elevating women into prominent parliamentary roles.
Key Appointments:
S. Phangnon Konyak:
- Konyak, the first woman Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland, has presided over the House, marking a historic achievement in representation.
P.T. Usha:
- Renowned athlete P.T. Usha has been appointed as the first nominated MP to serve as a Vice Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, bringing her distinguished career and leadership qualities to the role.
G20 and Women Empowerment
- During India’s presidency of the G20, the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration underscored the importance of investing in the empowerment of women and girls.
- This declaration aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.5, which focuses on ensuring women’s participation and leadership in decision-making processes.
Reforms in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat
Dhankar has introduced several reforms within the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to promote gender balance:
- Inclusion of Women in Traditionally Male-Dominated Roles:
- Women have been appointed to roles such as House duty officers, reflecting a shift towards greater gender inclusivity.
- Vahan App:
- The introduction of the Vahan app ensures safe transportation for women officers working late hours, addressing safety concerns and supporting their participation in late-hour duties.
- Appointment of Women Chamber Attendants:
- Women have been appointed as chamber attendants, increasing their representation and involvement in parliamentary operations.
Prominent Roles for Women Officers
Women officers now hold significant positions within the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, including:
- Human Resources and Legislative Sections:
- Key responsibilities in these areas are now managed by women officers, demonstrating their crucial role in the administrative functions of the Rajya Sabha.
- Parliamentary Standing Committees:
- Women are officiating in various Standing Committees, contributing to the legislative review process.
- Senior Security Services:
- Senior positions within the security services have been filled by women, showcasing their diverse capabilities.
- iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat Initiative:
- A woman officer has been appointed as a master trainer for this initiative, reflecting the expanding roles of women in training and capacity-building.
Recognition and Support for Women Officers
To foster a supportive environment for women officers, Dhankar has implemented several measures:
- Recognition of Top-Performing Women Officers:
- Outstanding women officers are recognized for their performance across all services within the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
- Gender Sensitization Workshops:
- Workshops and talks are conducted to promote a culture of gender equality and sensitivity.
- Women’s Day Celebrations:
- These events offer a platform for women officers and employees to showcase their talents and achievements.
Encouraging Academic Engagement
- Dhankar has also initiated efforts to bridge the gap between academia and the legislature by inviting interns from Miranda House in Delhi for a 15-day course on parliamentary procedures.
- This initiative aims to educate and engage young scholars in parliamentary processes.
Conclusion
- The Rajya Sabha, under Vice President Dhankar’s leadership, is setting a precedent for women-led development by integrating women into key decision-making and leadership roles.
- These measures not only enhance gender equality within the Parliament but also serve as a model for other legislative bodies across India, promoting broader gender inclusivity in governance and decision-making roles.
