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 mandated that at least 15% of drivers on these platforms should be women, with a target 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 often face harassment and intimidation while using these services.
The court’s directive is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in the transportation sector. By ensuring that a substantial percentage of drivers on ride-booking apps are women, the government can help create a safer and more inclusive environment for female passengers. This move is also expected to encourage more women to take up driving as a profession, which can help to bridge the gender gap in the workforce.
The court’s order also emphasizes the importance of providing female passengers with the option to choose a female driver. This can be done by incorporating a feature in the app that allows women to select a female driver first, thereby giving them a sense of security and comfort. This feature can be particularly useful for women who travel alone at night or in isolated areas, where the risk of harassment is higher.
The Rajasthan High Court’s judgment is a response to the growing concerns about the safety of women using ride-booking apps. There have been several instances of women being harassed, assaulted, or even kidnapped by drivers, which has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of these services. By directing the state government to take concrete steps to increase the representation of women drivers, the court is sending a strong message that the safety and security of women is a top priority.
The court’s order is also a recognition of the fact that women face unique challenges and vulnerabilities while using public transportation. Women are often subject to harassment, catcalling, and other forms of intimidation, which can make them feel uncomfortable and unsafe. By providing them with the option to choose a female driver, the court is acknowledging these challenges and taking steps to address them.
The state government has been directed to work with ride-booking companies to implement the court’s order. This may involve providing training and incentives to women drivers, as well as creating a system for monitoring and evaluating the representation of women drivers on these platforms. The government may also need to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that women drivers are protected from harassment and intimidation, and that passengers who engage in such behavior are held accountable.
The court’s judgment is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in India. By directing the state government to take concrete steps to increase the representation of women drivers on ride-booking apps, the court is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society. This move is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it can help to increase women’s participation in the workforce and promote their economic empowerment.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s judgment is a landmark decision that has the potential to transform the transportation sector in India. By directing the state government to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women, the court is promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and safety. This move is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have equal access to opportunities and resources.
As the state government works to implement the court’s order, it is essential to recognize the challenges and complexities involved in increasing the representation of women drivers on ride-booking apps. This may involve addressing societal attitudes and biases, as well as providing women with the training and support they need to succeed in this profession. However, with the court’s judgment, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism that India can become a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have the freedom and autonomy to make their own choices.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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