Ensure 15% drivers in ride booking apps are women: HC to Raj govt
In a significant move to enhance the safety and security of women passengers using ride-booking apps, the Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on these platforms are women. The court has further instructed that this percentage should be increased to 25% over the next 2-3 years. This directive is a welcome step towards promoting women’s empowerment and providing a safer environment for female passengers.
The Rajasthan High Court’s order is a response to the growing concerns about the safety of women using ride-booking apps. There have been several instances of harassment, molestation, and even assault of women passengers by male drivers. The court’s directive is aimed at addressing these concerns and providing a more secure experience for women using these services.
The court has also noted that female passengers must have the option in the app to choose a female driver first. This is a crucial aspect of the directive, as it gives women passengers the autonomy to choose their preferred driver. This option will not only provide a sense of security but also empower women to make informed choices about their travel.
The Rajasthan government has been directed to take necessary steps to ensure that ride-booking apps comply with the court’s order. This may involve collaborating with the app companies to recruit and train more female drivers. The government may also need to provide incentives and support to women who want to become drivers on these platforms.
The benefits of having more female drivers on ride-booking apps are numerous. For one, it will provide a safer environment for women passengers, who will feel more comfortable and secure with a female driver. It will also create job opportunities for women, who can become economically independent and self-sufficient. Moreover, it will help to promote women’s empowerment and challenge the traditional stereotypes that women are not capable of working in non-traditional fields.
The court’s directive is also a recognition of the importance of women’s participation in the workforce. Women’s participation in the labor market is crucial for the economic growth and development of any country. By providing opportunities for women to become drivers on ride-booking apps, the Rajasthan government can help to increase women’s participation in the workforce and promote economic empowerment.
However, the implementation of the court’s order may not be without challenges. One of the major challenges will be to recruit and train a sufficient number of female drivers. The ride-booking app companies may need to launch recruitment drives and provide training programs to attract and retain female drivers. The government may also need to provide support and incentives to women who want to become drivers, such as subsidies for vehicles or insurance.
Another challenge will be to ensure that the female drivers are treated fairly and equally by the app companies. There have been instances of drivers being exploited by the app companies, with long working hours and low wages. The government and the app companies will need to ensure that female drivers are protected from such exploitation and are provided with fair working conditions.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s directive to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women is a welcome step towards promoting women’s empowerment and providing a safer environment for female passengers. The implementation of the court’s order will require the collaboration of the government, app companies, and civil society organizations. It will also require a sustained effort to recruit and train female drivers, provide support and incentives, and ensure that they are treated fairly and equally.
The court’s order is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to promote women’s safety and empowerment in India. It is a recognition of the importance of women’s participation in the workforce and the need to provide a safe and secure environment for women to work and travel. As the Rajasthan government works to implement the court’s order, it is hoped that other states will follow suit and take similar measures to promote women’s empowerment and safety.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
About the Author
