Ensure 15% drivers in ride booking apps are women: HC to Raj govt
In a significant move to promote women’s empowerment and safety, 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 landmark judgment is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and secure environment for women in the transportation sector.
The High Court’s directive is a response to the growing concerns about women’s safety in public transportation. With the rise of ride-booking apps, there has been an increasing demand for safe and reliable transportation options for women. The court’s order aims to address this concern by ensuring that a significant percentage of drivers on these platforms are women. This move is expected to provide women with a sense of security and comfort while using ride-booking services.
The court’s judgment also noted that female passengers must have the option to choose a female driver first. This feature will enable women to prioritize their safety and prefer a female driver, if available. This option will not only provide women with a sense of security but also promote a culture of inclusivity and respect for women’s autonomy.
The Rajasthan High Court’s directive is a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and challenging the existing patriarchal norms in the transportation sector. The court’s order recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and acknowledges the need for affirmative action to promote women’s participation in the workforce.
The implementation of this directive will require the state government to work closely with ride-booking companies to ensure that they comply with the court’s order. The government will need to develop a strategy to recruit and train more women drivers, as well as create a framework to monitor and enforce the court’s directive. This will involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including ride-booking companies, women’s organizations, and community groups.
The benefits of having more women drivers on ride-booking apps are numerous. Not only will it provide women with a sense of security and comfort, but it will also create new job opportunities for women and promote their economic empowerment. Women drivers will also be able to provide a unique perspective and understanding of the needs and concerns of female passengers, which will help to improve the overall quality of service.
Furthermore, the court’s directive has the potential to create a ripple effect and inspire other states to follow suit. This could lead to a significant increase in the number of women drivers on ride-booking apps across the country, which would be a major step towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s directive to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women is a landmark judgment that has the potential to create a significant impact on women’s empowerment and safety. The court’s order recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and acknowledges the need for affirmative action to promote women’s participation in the workforce. As the state government works to implement this directive, it is essential to monitor progress and ensure that the court’s order is enforced effectively.
The success of this initiative will depend on the collaboration and commitment of various stakeholders, including the state government, ride-booking companies, and women’s organizations. With the right approach and support, this initiative has the potential to create a significant positive impact on women’s lives and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect for women’s autonomy.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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