Things are looking bright for women, especially the younger lot, in the national capital with the declaration by the State Election Commission of 50 per cent seats for women in the municipal elections. The city which is often referred to as “unsafe” for women would most likely see a majority of female councillors in all three new-look civic bodies.
Says Arti Mehra, former mayor, “It is a welcome move and one of the most positive decisions in recent times. The increase in quota will help women from all walks of life to come forward. It is good that such opportunities are being provided to women and we are confident of making a positive impact. Don’t you agree that women keep their houses neat, clean, in order and are more systematic?”
While many are upbeat about the development, a few think of it as being ‘hog wash’ as there are proxy candidates from families of corporators and professional politicians. Then there are others who are against any kind of reservation for women as they feel it questions a woman’s innate strength.
Interestingly, women from all walks of life — from students to housewives and doctors to management professionals — submitted their resumes to the political parties for selection.
According to one estimate, about 500-odd applications from women were received by the two major players — the Congress and BJP.
“The problem is the lack of opportunity for women. I am all for this move as this is nothing but providing access and opportunity to women, though I am against reservations in principle. Just look at the panchayat elections, women have moved out of their rubber stamp roles and are asserting themselves for the betterment of their villages. I am confident that women councillors would perform much better than everybody’s expectations. Political parties had no option but to look outside for fresh and able faces because of this policy,” says Sushma Berlia, industrialist and president of the Apeejay Stya Group and Svrán Group.
Says Lalit Bhasin, a renowned lawyer and president of IPBA (Inter Pacific Bar Association), “I am totally against reservations though certain privileges can be extended to women. Women are a formidable and integral part of our set up and system. The question of reservations would not be fair to the fairer sex. This implies that they are weaker than men, and this is untrue.”
With 138 seats reserved for women out of 272 wards, the functioning of the corporations will change to a great extent. Political parties are apprehensive as some major players will lose their councillor tag this time with their wards being handed over to the reserved categories, including women. Moreover, selecting the right candidates has been a Herculean task for both major political parties. Says Vijender Gupta, president, state BJP, “There was no fixed criteria for selection, we preferred women who had some knowledge about the corporation, its functioning and local issues. Winnablity was equally important.”
According to Mehra, it is important for candidates to be dedicated enough to work for the common man, and being from a political or non-political background is not an issue in the municipal elections.
All said and done, woman power will be a clear winner in these elections!