Read the following conversation. Write in two hundred words your opinion about the issues raised in this conversation. Alok: Our Constitution guarantees equality between men and women. Reservations in local bodies for women ensure their equal share in power. Neha: But it is not enough that women should be in positions of power. It is necessary that the budget of local bodies should have separate provision for women. Jayesh: I don’t like this reservations business. A local body must take care of all people in the village and that would automatically take care of women and their interests.

This conversation is based on the issue of empowerment of women on equal basis:
 The constitution of India guarantees the equality of men and women.
 Under Article 15, no citizen can be discriminated on the grounds of colour, race,
language and religion, caste, sex, etc.
 Article 39(1) and (d) ensure an adequate livelihood and equal pay for equal work for
both men and women respectively.
 Alok views that our constitution guarantees equality between men and women as
well as reservations in local bodies also ensure the equal share of power.
 Neha views to have separate provisions of budget to women to improve women’s
conditions.
 Jayesh views to provide provisions equally to all people living in village, hence
women would automatically be benefited.
 But, if women will be provided to equal access along with men without any
reservation, it will not get success at all.
 Without reservation, women will not succeed to the power and to make policies
because of male dominant society in India.