Question

What are some special rights that have been granted to women in India? List them down.
Write a short note on a few key institutions established by the government to ensure the protection of women rights.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Discuss some special rights granted to women in India and discuss institutions established to protect women rights in India.

Solution:

• In order to work towards gender equality, women in India have been granted a few ‘special rights’.

These include:

• Equal pay for equal work: The government implemented the Equal Remuneration Act in 1976, which ensures equal pay for equal work without discrimination based on gender.
• Right against domestic violence: To protect women against domestic violence, the government has ensured that accused individuals are imprisoned for up to 3 years and also pay a fine.
• Right against workplace harassment: Women are also protected against harassment at the workplace and may file a complaint against any kind of harassment at work.

Institutions working to protect women’s rights in India:
National Commission for Women:

• It was established in 1990 to prevent violations of human rights against women.
• It educates women about their Constitutional Rights, beneficial schemes, and programs started by the government, exclusively for women.
• It also presents reports to the central government and makes recommendations related to schemes for women.

State Women’s Commissions:

• These are established at the state level and ensure the protection of women’s rights.
• The Kerala Women’s Commission came into force in 1996.
• It is responsible for improving the social status of women and ensures that women get equal opportunities in state government jobs.