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 the goal of increasing this percentage 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 discomfort while using these services.
The court’s directive is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the transportation sector. The lack of female drivers on ride-booking apps has been a long-standing issue, with many women passengers expressing concerns about their safety while traveling with male drivers. By increasing the number of female drivers, the government and ride-booking companies can help alleviate these concerns and provide a more comfortable and secure experience for women passengers.
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 as their preferred choice. This simple yet effective measure can go a long way in making women feel more secure and confident while using ride-booking services.
The Rajasthan High Court’s judgment is also significant because it highlights the need for the government and private companies to work together to promote women’s empowerment and safety. The court has directed the state government to take concrete steps to implement its order, including providing training and incentives to women drivers, and ensuring that ride-booking companies comply with the directive.
The move to increase the number of female drivers on ride-booking apps is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy. By providing more job opportunities for women, the government and private companies can help promote women’s economic empowerment and reduce the gender gap in the workforce. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on the overall economy, as women’s participation in the workforce can lead to increased productivity, economic growth, and social development.
Furthermore, the court’s order can also help to challenge societal attitudes and stereotypes that often discourage women from taking up jobs in the transportation sector. By promoting the participation of women in this sector, the government and private companies can help break down these barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
In addition to the economic benefits, the increased participation of women in the transportation sector can also have a positive impact on road safety. Studies have shown that women drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents and tend to drive more cautiously than their male counterparts. By increasing the number of female drivers on the road, the government and private companies can help reduce the number of accidents and promote a culture of safe driving.
The Rajasthan High Court’s judgment is a significant step towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety in the transportation sector. By directing the state government to ensure that at least 15% of drivers on ride-booking apps are women, the court has sent a strong message that the rights and safety of women passengers must be taken seriously. The government and private companies must now work together to implement this order and create a more inclusive and equitable transportation system that promotes the participation and safety of women.
In conclusion, the Rajasthan High Court’s judgment is a landmark move towards promoting women’s empowerment and safety in the transportation sector. By increasing the number of female drivers on ride-booking apps, the government and private companies can help alleviate the concerns of women passengers, promote women’s economic empowerment, and create a more inclusive and equitable work environment. The implementation of this order will require the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, private companies, and civil society. However, the benefits of this move are clear, and it is hoped that this judgment will set a precedent for other states and countries to follow.
News Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/drivers-ride-booking-apps-women-high-court-rajasthan-govt-10392888/lite/
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