The UPA government's decision to increase the quota for women from 33 per cent to 50 per cent in all tiers of the Panchayati Raj system is indeed laudable. This is the most crucial juncture for women. They will have to come out of their existing mindset. The rural women have a golden opportunity to represent their community and prove themselves as leaders.
Dr. (Major) D.J. Borah,
Thiruvananthapuram
***
The debate on the Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of the number of seats for women in Parliament and the State legislatures, has been pending legislation for long. But I am one of those who believe that the move will not empower women in any manner.
Apart from the size and regularity of the elections, there is little else to enthuse about in our democracy which has fallen drastically in standards. The common man is yet to be empowered. What can women do in a set-up where money and muscle power rule?
S. Rajagopalan,
Chennai
