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Jurassic Park has won the skirmish, not the war. When Mulayam Singh, Lalu Prasad and their cohorts turned the Rajya Sabha discussion on the women's Bill into a thug-fest they succeeded only in deferring the inevitable, not defeating it. One doesn't have to be an ardent feminist to acknowledge that women, particularly women in India, have over the centuries been given not just a raw deal, but only too often a literally murderous deal, as shown by the high incidence of violent crimes against women and the prevalence of what might be called 'gendercide'.
Reserved seats in Parliament is just the first step in the long march to gender equity. But is it a step in the right direction for this goal, or will it turn out to be merely a time-pass sidestep? Will parliamentary reservations for women become part of the solution to gender discrimination or will they add to the problem?
This, emphatically, is not to be a nay-sayer about the 108th amendment, but only to raise the broader issue of all reservations and of the problems, both practical and ideological, that come in their wake. The original policy of reservations for scheduled castes, who have suffered social stigma for millennia, has inevitably escalated, post-Mandal, into a competitive calculus of quotas. Quotas for OBCs, quotas for minorities, quotas for admission to educational institutions, quotas to get jobs in the public sector and, soon perhaps, in the private sector.
Indeed, one of the main reasons why it took 14 years for the women's Bill to reach this stage was because of the roadblocks set up by those who insisted on quotas for OBCs and minorities within the women's quota. It is such abuse of affirmative action that puts a question mark over the rightful place of all forms of reservations in a democratic polity, which by definition ought to be bedrocked on the principle of elective choice.
Even the most bitter critics of the reservations policy will find it hard to deny that over the years the scheduled castes and tribes have substantially benefited as a result of such policies, to not only their own betterment but that of society as a whole. But equally undeniable is the fact that the progressive spread of such quota systems has led to the creation of so-called 'creamy layers' and to inter-caste conflict, captive vote banks and reverse discrimination. A social audit which sought to work out the balance sheet of reservations would prove to be a tricky and contentious project. Is the Indian polity, as a whole, on the profit or the loss side of the ledger as a result of over 60 years of various kinds of reservations and quotas?
Most of those who consider themselves to be liberals will agree that, on the whole, warts and hiccups notwithstanding, reservations have done significantly more good than harm. The liberal consensus in favour of reservations, however, can't bypass the paradox of continuously expanding reservations in a supposedly free society. If our dealings with the state and with each other - in terms of educational opportunity, employment, and political choice - are increasingly to be determined by caste, creed and gender, will this enhance or limit our identity and scope as free citizens in a free society?
The affirmative action of reservations was, and is, necessary to help to overcome gross and entrenched social and economic inequities. But in doing so it often impinges on the principle of free and fair competition that all citizens ought by right to lay claim to in a truly democratic society. Where, and how, to find the fine balance between reservations as a liberating force and reservations as restrictions to freedom and a diminution of democracy?
The women's Bill, and its aftermath, will put many such questions to the acid test. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the realisation that reservation road - like the broader thoroughfare of democracy - is a path inescapably full of potholes. What next for Lalu and Co? Reservation for men?
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Comments:
Sort by: Oldest | Newest | Recommended (14) | Most DiscussedMarch 10,2010 at 11:39 AM IST
its right that women should be a part of Politics but is it the right way to give them the power. Why every time we people just go with the one funda i.e. "Reservation". Well i know this won't make much effect on system because most of the leaders just take the favor of their wives to be in government.
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(Reply to vaibhav)-
March 28,2010 at 12:33 PM IST
as i know most of the successful women politicians are here not because of being wives to somebody, support always needed to a deprived section in society. Time has come when we start thinking of reservation for the caste God/nature has created, and we must decide first how much equality or inequality is finally to be achieveed, as it has been a matter of debate especially in our country. I feel this article discuss the topic accurately. Do we question the draft of this bill itself?
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March 10,2010 at 12:19 PM IST
There is no doubt that the reservation provided to SC/ST has improved their socio-economic status. Representation in parliament is the only way to bring the issues of the various sections of the society to the national focus. Imagine a parliament without these reservations!!!. You would not have found a single member from the SC/ST category and they would have been isolated form the national mainstream giving more steam to movements like Naxalism. The reservation for women was long pending and let's hope this will reduce the clout of muscle and money power in Indian politics. But it 's too early for the govt to consider reservations for OBC's and minorities. This should be done only after a detailed country wide study of the status of the various sections of the society and whether they are adequately represented in the state and central legislatures. Govt should consider other measures to ensure those who are not adequately represented before considering direct reservation. But it's very important that the voices of different sections of the society are heard in the corridors of power to maintain India's unity in diversity and all inclusive growth.
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March 11,2010 at 01:42 PM IST
Right and duty are the two sides of same coin.Without knowing the duty,one has no justification of his or her rights. Women, particularly in Indian villages, have to be taught first, that, apart from being a home maker, they have equal duty towards making the nation.They need to be educated for this before imparting them the right of reservation.The reservation policy shall benifit only those who know their rights, but not necesarily duties.Very thin creamy layer of women soceity shall be benifited and the gap between them shall be very much enlarged. This shall drag them away from their basic fabric of nature, that, they are the symbol of love, affection and sacrifice, which are the foundation stones for building up a nation of love, peace and tranquility.One just can not survive without other. In our indian soceity, a man rules the world, but a woman rules the man.God has made and Adam has agreed to pay different obligations to the soceity by both of them, and, by this road of reservation, they shall head to a unpeaceful destination.
I think, the policy should be to elevate and ensure the respect and dignity for a woman, rather then reservation for women.The reservation road may be converted to the road of dignity of a woman.
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March 11,2010 at 01:54 PM IST
Switzerland gave women right to vote in 1971, USA could ensure universal suffrage after civil rights movements of 50s and 60s. India was better than these countries on this count. But is it ahead of any of them in ensuring better treatment of females or the oppressed? No.
It does not matter whether you made better laws first or gave reservation. What matters is the proper implementation of the development measures, and accountability of law makers and bureaucradcy. If politicians spend energy to ensure these things,there will be no need of reservation.But they can not ensure this so they find it easier to give everyone some kind of reservation.
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March 11,2010 at 05:17 PM IST
I sometime wonder why so much time is taken to redress the grievances of the people? It is simple as I see it.If you have two breads and there are 4 persons then you will divided 2 breads in to 4 persons.Similarly on large scale this can also happen.But question is how to do it? This is wrong question asked.Instead of asking why not share ?
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March 11,2010 at 05:35 PM IST
There is one more point which should have found a place in the article "Reservation Road". 21st century is hurtling global changes/progress at break neck speed.The old yard sticks for reservation or for that any activity does`nt make sense any more because the world over it is not agriculture,not Industry but knowledge based economy which is the new engine of growth/economy.In this new era time & tide waits for no man.If India waits for results of affirmative action based on 50% reservation for various wealth/economic activities the other countries notably like China will capture the global markets/mind share & I think India will be left behind.There is no doubt that the disadvantaged need affirmative action but there is a limit its efficacy.Reservation in India presupposes the presence of perhaps HINDU RATE OF GROWTH at bullock cart speed. As author says there has to be a balance between affirmative action and the speed with which Indian economy has to be propelled into 21st century.
Nandan Nilekhani in his book “Imagining India” says “So powerful are these tools( New Economy tools like Computers, Broadband, Mobiles etc) becoming that I believe India`s revolution, when we see, it will be not like the one carried out in Europe, with peasant revolutionaries storming the castle gates with farm hand tools, but through low technology models that puts the power of digital information, analytics and net works in the hands of every one”.
Reservation process vis a vis 21st century in India is too slow and the results can be through a tortorous path.At the end of the day it may not be very effective in propelling India into 21st century race for progress. We all have to re think about the efficacy of Reservation in the 21st century
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March 11,2010 at 07:47 PM IST
great idea sir .. but I think the question "is indian woman is ready for 33% reservation in Politics?" is much necessary than what most of the junta is discussing i.e. " should the bill be passed?".. are really our women capable and competent to hold the 33% of our political system ... and to answer this many more questions must be answered regarding their education, level of education, status and their prowess to become a politician..
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March 11,2010 at 09:15 PM IST
Dear Jug Suraiya,
As you admit in your article the benefits of reservations have been a mixed bag so far. But in principle, to keep on expanding reservations progressively to ultimately tie the entire populace in neatly categorized segments with varying percentage entitlements adding up to 100 percent can never be sustained in a true democracy.They will work against free and fair competition which is indeed dangerous- as it will only increase the mistrust between members of the society and breed hatred and jealousy. These policies are used as a tool by politicians to divide the society for their personal gains. They will continue to do so, no matter how many blogs are written and opinion expressed against this practice because it is their survival instinct. Why is no body advocating economic criteria as the sole deciding factor for reservations? Instead of dividing society into caste, region, Religion etc; should we not try and integrate society by removing these classifications ( which are nothing but ills we have carried from the past) over a period of time. By using economic criteria we can try and lift the disadvantaged sections better and achieve this goal. In modern times economic well being alone improves self respect and confidence in people. Is anybody listening?
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March 11,2010 at 10:17 PM IST
All opposing the bill are from mostly UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chatisgad and Bengal, the people who were for almost 1000 years under trecherous rule of the Mughals and Nawabs. They are used to slavery under Muslims. The Rajputs, Sikhs and Marathas have laid down their lives to fight them and ultimately to free India. However, these Hindi belt and Bengali people still have slavery attachmnet to muslims. Why reservation for Muslims, even there are much more poor people in Rajputs, Sikhs and Marathas.Then they should also get reservation in every sector.
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(Reply to Santaji Ghorpade)-
March 13,2010 at 09:53 PM IST
What makes you think that people of UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chatisgadh and Bengal are used to slavery under Muslims? In what way do you think we are used to it? Are you even literate? What qualifies you to make the statement you did?
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(Reply to Santaji Ghorpade)-
March 14,2010 at 12:56 PM IST
why reservation?if capable will get her due.why do we get stuck on the word 'reservation'.as rightly mentioned next will reservation for men.................
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March 13,2010 at 09:17 PM IST
Reservation is indeed a very ingenious device to mislead citizens to think that the government thinks about them. The only thing our DEMOCRATIC government is interested in is vote. I can't say much about others but reservation in education has allowed the government to successfully create an army of idiots who believe that since they got to go to colleges they have miraculously become clever and tell what's wrong and what's right. And I'm really sick of such people.
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March 14,2010 at 10:31 AM IST
Sir,
A THRID PROPOSAL FOR THE 1/3rd ISSUE
I wish to present the following proposal to break the deadlock over the issue of Women’s Reservation Bill.
1. A third House can be created exclusively for Women.
2. The Third House shall consist of number of MPs equal to 33% of Lok Sabha.
3. Each party represented in Lok Sabha can nominate MPs to the Third House proportionate to their numbers in the Lok Sabha.
4. The system of reservation of upto 50% for the backward classes shall be made statutory in the Third House.
5. The Money Bill presented in the Lok Sabha shall first be passed in the Third House.
6. The MPs from the Third House shall be eligible to hold the office of Ministers including PM.
7. Similar arrangement shall be made in respect of the State Assemblies.
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