- Indeed, the Indian aspirational society should not work in silos having unyielding restrictions in place at every walk of life that largely hinders the intended progress. If the Indian economy aspires to be counted amongst the best in the world, extending equal opportunities alongside gender parity irrespective of caste, creed, class, and social standing should be encouraged. Treating men and women differently will not be beneficial to anyone, especially to the country. A largely misogynistic and patriarchal mindset still prevails in the Indian context but thankfully there are visible signs of changes extending level-playing fields to both genders. Here, due credit should be accorded to the present dispensation at the centre for pushing ahead with some of the most beneficial women-centric initiatives.
PC: ENTREPRENEURS’ ORGANIZATION
- One such heartening move was recently witnessed from different parts of the country. As reported in leading newspapers, Delhi’s lieutenant governor will soon formally allow over 300 establishments to work round-the-clock. This is a welcome move indeed. Businesses such as hotels and delivery services can’t afford downtime. Moreover, a modern economy never sleeps, or at least some parts of it are always humming. The Maha Vikas Aghadi government, before its fall, in Maharashtra was keen on something similar for Mumbai, India’s other megalopolis. The economic logic of a city that never sleeps is easy to grasp but in India, it runs into the reflexive approach of a state that seeks to regulate every aspect of life, especially that of women.
- Of late, there are encouraging signs of some change in this approach as well. Notably, the challenge to paternalism is coming from within. In a Kerala town named Muvattupuzha, local authorities recently organized a four-night package of activities, including live music performances and a women’s marathon. The effort was aptly named ‘Girl’s Night Out’ to encourage women to go out after sunset and also nudge the town towards creating nightlife. By all accounts, the response was overwhelming. It just shows how state paternalism has been a killjoy. India rightly aspires to be a developed nation, and rightly so. Nonetheless, the journey there will require governments to trust people more rather than treat them with kid gloves.
PC: Amy Hoover
- Unfortunately, there are plenty of laws that impose unreasonable curbs on where and when women can work. Economic compulsions forced multiple carve-outs from different laws to allow women to work night shifts. Needless to mention, instead of exceptions the rule should be that women know what’s in their best interest and choose accordingly. Of course, deregulation doesn’t mean an absence of any regulation. The state’s role in enabling a fairer environment will have to remain undiminished. The Union Government must be applauded for ensuring theatres in J&K open again and beer can be stocked in departmental stores under a liberalized policy. Why shouldn’t all of India experience the same benefits? Let’s hope it happens at the earliest.
