HPAS Mains 2021/22 Answer Writing Challenge Day 32: 09-11-2021

Question : What are the constitutional and statutory provisions made by the government of India regarding women?                                                                                                                                                                     8 Marks

The Indian society was and still struggling with Patriarchy. Therefore, certain constitutional and statutory provisions were made for the protection and empowerment of Women in India. To penetrate democracy, to promote participative governance, for bringing social Justice and inclusive development, empowerment and upliftment of women is sine quo none.  The empowerment and autonomy of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is a highly important end in itself. In addition, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.

CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA

Constitutional Provisions :

1. Article 14 of the Constitution of India states that, “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India”.
2. Article 15 states that “The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, sex, place of birth or any of them.” Article 15(3) states that “Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children”.
3. Article 16 states that “There shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State”.
4. One vote one value, 39-b, equal pay for equal work, Article 42 provides that the State to make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

Statutory provisions – reservation in panchayats, maternity benefits, vishakha guidelines, dowry act, hindu succession act, National commission on women, The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, The Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994.

Ministry of women and child development

Conclusion – A lot has been done by constitutional and statutory means but attitude of the society need to mould towards the women to empower them in total entirety. We need attitudinal and behavioral change in the society through education and awareness. These awareness campaign must be taken by both by the government and civil society. Gender sensitivity must be taught at school level. Therefore, with myriad of efforts from every direction could only bring behavioral change in a diverse and gigantic nation like India