Ensure 15% drivers in ride booking apps are women: HC to Raj govt
In a landmark judgment, the Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women. The court further emphasized that this percentage should be increased to 25% over the next 2-3 years. This ruling is a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety in the transportation sector.
The court’s directive comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a social activist, highlighting the need for greater representation of women drivers in ride-booking apps. The PIL argued that the lack of female drivers in these apps posed a significant risk to the safety of female passengers, who often felt uncomfortable and vulnerable while traveling with male drivers.
The High Court noted that female passengers must have the option in the app to choose a female driver first. This option would not only enhance the safety and comfort of female passengers but also promote the economic empowerment of women by providing them with job opportunities in the transportation sector.
The court’s ruling is a welcome move, as it recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women in the transportation sector. The presence of female drivers in ride-booking apps would not only provide a sense of security for female passengers but also help to break down social barriers and challenge traditional stereotypes.
The directive to increase the percentage of female drivers to 25% over the next 2-3 years is a clear indication of the court’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and safety. This timeframe provides a realistic and achievable target for the state government and ride-booking apps to work together to increase the representation of female drivers.
The impact of this ruling is likely to be significant, as it has the potential to create a ripple effect in the transportation sector. With more women drivers on the road, female passengers will feel more comfortable and secure while traveling, which in turn will promote the use of ride-booking apps among women.
Moreover, this ruling is also likely to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will provide job opportunities for women in the transportation sector. Women drivers will have the opportunity to earn a livelihood and become financially independent, which will have a positive impact on their families and communities.
The state government and ride-booking apps will need to work together to implement the court’s directive. This will require a coordinated effort to recruit and train female drivers, as well as to create a safe and supportive environment for them to work in.
The ride-booking apps will need to modify their platforms to provide female passengers with the option to choose a female driver first. This will require significant changes to their algorithms and user interfaces, but it is a necessary step to promote women’s safety and empowerment.
The state government will also need to play a proactive role in promoting the recruitment and training of female drivers. This may involve providing incentives and subsidies to women who want to become drivers, as well as creating programs to support their training and development.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s directive to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women is a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety in the transportation sector. The court’s ruling is a welcome move, as it recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women in the transportation sector.
As the state government and ride-booking apps work to implement the court’s directive, it is essential to remember that this is just the first step towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety. There is still much work to be done to create a society where women feel safe and valued, and this ruling is an important step in that direction.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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