Question

Briefly review the policy of the government in the Post-Independence period on woman related issues

1. Removal of injustice
2. Welfare
3. Women development
4. Women empowerment

Answer 1

In India, within the framework of a democratic polity, laws, development policies, plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. Following are the main policy of government in the women related issues:

1. Removal of injustice - The Constitution of India and the initial laws enacted by Parliament aimed at rectifying injustices faced by women. Measures such as the right to equality, universal adult franchise, and the directive principle advocating equal pay for equal work for both men and women were implemented to address injustices against women. Legislative acts like the Hindu Code Act and the Prevention of Dowry Act were taken as steps in the direction of eliminating such injustices.
2. Welfare - Along with the removal of injustice a number of steps were taken to promote welfare of women. The central social welfare board was established in 1954 to undertake welfare activities for women and children. Laws were enacted to protect women's form injurious work, provide maternity and childcare benefit. Promote women's education, nutrition and family planning programmes.
3. Women development - In the 1970s the approach towards women’s issues shifted from ‘welfare’ to ‘development’. The 1970s was the ‘United Nations’ Decade for Women. The Report of the Committee on the Status of Women in India titled ‘Towards Equality’ talked of rights and status of women in the context of changing social and economic conditions in India. The 1980s saw a further change in the approach towards women in India. Now the focus was on health, education and employment. Department of Women and children development was formed in 1985 for this purpose.
4. Women empowerment - The government wanted to ensure that the benefits of development do not bypass women and therefore their participation in planning and implementation was necessary. The National Commission for Women was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution of India have provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of Panchayats and Municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision-making at the local levels.