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 take concrete steps to increase the representation of women drivers on ride-booking apps. The court has ordered that at least 15% of drivers on these platforms should be women, with a goal to increase this number to 25% over the next 2-3 years. This move is aimed at enhancing the safety and security of female passengers who use these services.
The High Court’s directive is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the transportation sector. The court’s order is also a response to the growing concerns about the safety of women passengers who use ride-booking apps. There have been numerous instances of harassment, molestation, and even assault of female passengers by male drivers, which has led to a decline in the number of women using these services.
The court’s order is not only a measure to ensure the safety of women passengers but also a step towards promoting women’s participation in the workforce. The transportation sector has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, and the court’s order is a significant step towards breaking this glass ceiling. By increasing the number of women drivers on ride-booking apps, the court is paving the way for more women to join the workforce and become economically independent.
The court has also directed that female passengers should have the option to choose a female driver first when booking a ride through these apps. This is a significant move, as it will give women passengers a sense of security and comfort when using these services. The option to choose a female driver will also help to reduce the risk of harassment and molestation, which is a major concern for women passengers.
The Rajasthan government has been directed to work with ride-booking companies to implement the court’s order. The government will need to work closely with companies such as Ola and Uber to ensure that they comply with the court’s directive. This may involve providing training and incentives to women drivers, as well as implementing measures to ensure their safety and security while on the job.
The court’s order is also a wake-up call for ride-booking companies, which have been criticized in the past for their lack of attention to the safety and security of women passengers. These companies will need to take concrete steps to implement the court’s order, including increasing the number of women drivers on their platforms and providing them with the necessary training and support.
In addition to the court’s order, there are several other measures that can be taken to enhance the safety and security of women passengers on ride-booking apps. These include the use of GPS tracking, which can help to monitor the location of drivers and passengers in real-time. Ride-booking companies can also implement emergency response systems, which can be activated by passengers in case of an emergency.
The court’s order is a significant step towards promoting women’s safety and security on ride-booking apps. However, it is only the first step, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that women passengers feel safe and secure when using these services. The Rajasthan government and ride-booking companies will need to work together to implement the court’s order and take additional measures to promote women’s safety and security.
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 safety and security. The court’s order is a wake-up call for ride-booking companies, which will need to take concrete steps to implement the order and enhance the safety and security of women passengers. The order is also a step towards promoting women’s participation in the workforce and breaking the glass ceiling in the transportation sector.
As the transportation sector continues to evolve, it is essential that the safety and security of women passengers are prioritized. The Rajasthan High Court’s order is a significant step in this direction, and it is hoped that other states will follow suit. By promoting women’s safety and security on ride-booking apps, we can create a more inclusive and equitable transportation system that benefits everyone.
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