Q7 of 10 Page 75

Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However, we are yet to have even 10 per cent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation?

Proportional representation system of elections would be superior for ensuring proper representation of women in legislatures.


The Indian Constitution makes the reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other minorities in our legislatives. But does not make similar reservation for other disadvantaged groups like the women As such there is no reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women. To improve the situation of women we should seek reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. For this purpose there should be demand for reserving one-third seats for women. For this purpose, we require an amendment to the constitution. The other method is to implement reservations for women candidates in electoral constituencies. The system of reservation should be rotated among all constituencies to ensure proper representation of women from all parts of the country. Though there are several amendments that have been proposed in parliament but have not yet been passed needs to bring in action and start working upon it to improve their situation and bring more women representative.


More from this chapter

All 10 →
5

What is the difference between the system of reservation of constituencies and the system of separate electorate? Why did the Constitution makers reject the latter?

 6

Which of the following statements are incorrect? Identify and correct them by substituting, adding or rearranging only one word or phrase.

A. FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India.


B. Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.


C. President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner.


D. Appointment of more than one Election Commissioners in the Election Commission is mandatory.

 8

Here are some wishes expressed in a conference to discuss a constitution for a new country. Write against each of these whether FPTP or Proportional Representation system is more suited to meet each of these wishes.

A. People should clearly know who their representative is so that they can hold him or her personally accountable.


B. We have small linguistic minorities who are spread all over the country; we should ensure fair representation to them.


C. There should be no discrepancy between votes and seats for different parties.


D. People should be able to elect a good candidate even if they do not like his or her political party.

 9

A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and why?