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 | Vasundhara Raje’s initiatives for women empowerment, industrial growth commendable | | published on : 08-31-2014 | | Category : Other | | After being voted to power in December last year for the second term, BJP’s Vasundhara Raje took two major initiatives which are aimed towards betterment of women’s conditions and reformation of labour laws.
These two initiatives are expected to change the face of Rajasthan both in terms of social and economic development. As far as labour reforms are concerned, India’s biggest competitor China has already taken a big leap thus enabling it to emerge as world ‘s major manufacturing hub.
Condition of women in Indian society is pathetic as their exploitation is rampant, whether within the household or in workplaces. Statistics related to crime rates suggest that women are worst affected in the society. Sociologists opine that the situation can be changed only when their empowerment is ensured.
According to a Times of India report, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje , who has launched several schemes to ensure upliftment of the condition of women in the society, is hopeful that these schemes will definitely pay off.
One of these schemes are Bhamashah Financial Empowerment Scheme. This scheme was conceptualised in 2007 during Raje’s first tenure as the State’s CM. She says that losing Assembly poll in 2008 blocked the road for the success of the scheme. The Chief Minister is of the view that status of Rajasthan in terms of human development parameters would have been best, had the scheme not been aborted midway by the Gehlot-led Congress Government.
The report says that under this scheme it has been aimed to ensure women’s empowerment through financial inclusion. Rupees 161 crore was allocated with the help of Punjab National Bank (PNB) for this project and the money was transferred to 22 lakh women account holders. Now the PNB has agreed to revive the previous accounts along with monetary interest deposits.
The goal has been to cover 70 per cent of the State’s population under this scheme. Despite their crucial role in family, being almost devoid of any right to own property in the society, women folk are forced to accept the status of second class citizens.
With a view to change this situation, the Rajasthan Government under the scheme, will deposit 1500 rupees and health insurance for accounts of women who are heads of the family. The best aspect of this scheme is that the bank account will be operated by biometric identification and only account-holding women will have authority to access these benefits.
Moreover, all other welfare schemes, including BPL benefits, will be routed through the card, therefore the initiative will see increased dependence on women heads of the family. By December this year the process of enrolment will be completed.
It is unfortunate that the Congress in 2008 aborted this scheme and had also tried to stop it this time through a PIL but the court struck down their plea.
Speaking on labour reforms, the Chief Minister said that Rajasthan Assembly recently passed bills in this regard which has been sent for consent of the President. The bills have proposed changes in the Factories Act, the Industrial Disputes Act, the Apprenticeship Act and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act.
According to the Chief Minister, the changes were necessary as the existing laws were a deterrent for investments due to various apprehensions.
The report quoted the Chief Minister as saying, “The country doesn’t have time now. We have to compete with nations like China and therefore need to work like it was yesterday , not today, since we are already late.”
The CM further added, “This change will not compromise on labour interests rather, it will create job opportunities. The entire Government machinery is there to safeguard workers’ welfare. Jobs will be safe for sure.”
The present economic growth rate has not helped provide jobs to India’s huge work force. Archaic labour laws are also impeding the pace of country’s economic development. After the beginning of era of liberalisation in the country in 1991, there has been a long-standing demand for introducing changes in these laws. In light of such demands, the move of Vasundhara Government is a welcome step | | Related Keywords : | | empowerment Industrial Disputes liberalisation |
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