Do politicians truly understand what Indian women want? As the election cycle heats up, promises of glittering gifts and compensations flood the airwaves. With women making up nearly 49% of India's electorate - approximately 469 million voters - political parties are eager to tap into this vast demographic, each claiming to know “what women want.” However, the critical question remains: are these promises genuine or merely electioneering tactics?
The Economic Reality
At the heart of many political promises lies the assumption that financial aid is the primary concern for women. This perspective stems from a broader understanding of poverty, often referred to as the “feminisation of poverty.” Women are disproportionately affected by economic hardship, a reality underscored by the UN's assertion that “women are the world’s poor.” The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation, making unconditional cash transfers—like those offered in schemes such as Ladli Behna Yojana and Gruha Lakshmi—appear crucial during elections.
However, critics argue that these programs often carry patriarchal undertones. For instance, while financial support is essential, it shouldn't overshadow deeper systemic issues that hinder women's empowerment.
Acknowledging Women's Needs
Political parties aren't entirely misguided in recognizing women's need for economic security and safety. Addressing these issues should logically lead to efforts aimed at closing the gender gap through enhanced workforce participation, equal pay, and support for female entrepreneurs. Yet, despite targeted programs like cash transfers influencing electoral behavior, women's actual participation in politics remains disappointingly low.
Competitive Promises
Recent announcements illustrate the competitive nature of these promises. Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi proposed a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 for women ahead of the 2025 elections, reminiscent of AAP's earlier unfulfilled promise in Punjab. Karnataka's Gruha Lakshmi scheme allocated a staggering Rs 28,600 crore but fell short when only 13.6 million women registered. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's ambitious promise of Rs 8,500 monthly under his #1LakhKiLine left many stunned - only for PM Modi to counter with Rs. 50,000 worth of vouchers for women in Odisha.
Do Women Buy Into These Schemes?
The effectiveness of these schemes is debatable. Punjab CM Mann's party managed to secure only three out of thirteen Lok Sabha seats despite promises of financial aid. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu failed to gain traction after pledging Rs 1,500 monthly for working-age women. In contrast, Karnataka's Gruha Lakshmi scheme saw some success; Congress managed just nine out of twenty-eight seats after distributing ‘guarantee cards’ promising Rs 1 lakh annually to women.
Sustainability Concerns
The sustainability of such financial schemes raises eyebrows. Atishi claimed that five million women would benefit from an annual payout of Rs 12,000; however, she allocated only Rs 2,000 crore for the scheme. The math reveals a potential shortfall - costing taxpayers around Rs 6,000 crore annually - an amount that could strain already tight fiscal budgets. The debate around Universal Basic Income (UBI) further complicates matters. While it holds promise for addressing poverty and inequality globally, many view it as unsustainable for governments struggling with existing financial commitments.
So, do politicians genuinely grasp what Indian women want? While they recognize economic insecurity as a pressing issue and propose cash transfers as solutions, they often overlook the deeper systemic barriers hindering women's progress. True empowerment requires more than just financial incentives; it demands comprehensive policies that address education, safety, and workforce participation.
As elections approach and promises abound, it’s crucial for voters to critically evaluate whether these offerings will translate into meaningful change or remain empty rhetoric designed to win votes.
Comments