Ensure 15% drivers in ride booking apps are women: HC to Raj govt
In a significant move to promote women’s safety and empowerment, 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 directive is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for female passengers using ride-booking services.
The Rajasthan High Court’s decision is a response to the growing concerns about women’s safety in public transport. The court noted that female passengers must have the option in the app to choose a female driver first, which would help reduce the risk of harassment and ensure a more comfortable journey. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of women who rely on ride-booking services for their daily commutes.
The court’s directive is not only a step towards promoting women’s safety but also towards promoting women’s empowerment. By increasing the number of female drivers on ride-booking apps, the government can provide more job opportunities for women and help them become financially independent. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the overall socio-economic development of the state.
The Rajasthan government has been asked to implement this directive in collaboration with ride-booking companies such as Ola and Uber. The government will need to work with these companies to recruit and train more female drivers, and to ensure that the apps provide the option for female passengers to choose a female driver. The court has also asked the government to submit a report on the progress made in this regard within the next six months.
This move is not without its challenges, however. One of the major challenges that the government and ride-booking companies may face is recruiting and retaining female drivers. The transport sector is traditionally male-dominated, and women may face various obstacles, including societal attitudes and lack of support, when trying to enter this field. To overcome these challenges, the government and ride-booking companies will need to provide adequate training and support to female drivers, including self-defense training and counseling.
Another challenge that the government may face is ensuring that the apps provide the option for female passengers to choose a female driver. This may require significant changes to the existing app infrastructure, which could be time-consuming and costly. However, the benefits of this move far outweigh the costs, and the government and ride-booking companies must work together to implement this directive.
The Rajasthan High Court’s decision has been welcomed by women’s rights activists, who see it as a significant step towards promoting women’s safety and empowerment. The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall safety of passengers using ride-booking services. By increasing the number of female drivers and providing the option for female passengers to choose a female driver, the government can reduce the risk of harassment and ensure a more comfortable journey for all passengers.
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 move towards promoting women’s safety and empowerment. The government and ride-booking companies must work together to implement this directive, which includes recruiting and training more female drivers and providing the option for female passengers to choose a female driver. While there may be challenges to overcome, the benefits of this move far outweigh the costs, and it is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for female passengers.
The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall socio-economic development of the state. By providing more job opportunities for women and promoting women’s empowerment, the government can contribute to the overall growth and development of the state. As the government and ride-booking companies work to implement this directive, it is essential to monitor the progress made and address any challenges that may arise.
Ultimately, the success of this move will depend on the collective efforts of the government, ride-booking companies, and civil society. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of women’s safety and empowerment and to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. By working together, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all passengers, regardless of their gender.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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