Context:

• The delimitation issue has resurfaced as a contentious political debate.
• Southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, have raised concerns over the potential impact of population-based representation.
• The debate is intertwined with North-South demographic differences and political power distribution.

The Core Issue - Population-Based Representation:

• The upcoming delimitation exercise could reduce the South’s representation in the Lok Sabha due to lower population growth.
• Southern states have historically performed better in the Human Development Index (HDI) and economic indicators.
• The demand to freeze the current strength of each state in the Lok Sabha is gaining traction.

North-South Divide and Political Tensions:

• Southern leaders argue that population-based representation would disadvantage them despite their progressive policies.
• The push for Hindi and perceived centralization by the Centre fuels regional tensions.
• However, concerns of North Indian domination in Parliament remain debatable as numerical advantage have not necessarily translated into policy bias.

Challenges in Finding a Consensus:

• Freezing the current representation ratio maintains the balance but leads to overburdened representatives (approx. 20 lakh people per MP).
• Avoiding the North-South binary is crucial to prevent further polarization.
• The BJP and Congress face internal contradictions as their state units take opposing stands.

Potential Solutions:

• A strict population-based delimitation could lead to numerical imbalances but aligns with constitutional principles.
• An alternative approach is to expand the Lok Sabha, ensuring no state loses seats while populous states gain additional representation.
• Reforming the Rajya Sabha to enhance federal representation could be another option, though it requires constitutional amendments.

Federalism and Democratic Representation:

• Democracy should be interpreted beyond numbers to include federal balance.
• Past delimitation exercises have implicitly recognized this by ensuring small states have at least one Lok Sabha member.
• Expanding the Lok Sabha can strengthen federalism while upholding democratic principles.

Way Ahead:

• For a genuine debate on the delimitation question, it is necessary to avoid two tempting myths.
• In the first place, many intellectuals and politicians from the South are tempted to raise alarms about North India's dominance over the South.
• Secondly, in the present party-political arena, there is a temptation to see the issue through the prism of the BJP’s dominance.
  • The recent statement by the Union Home Minister that states of the South will not lose any seats highlights the extent of anti-BJP sentiment on this matter.

Conclusion:

• The delimitation debate must move beyond political rhetoric to a balanced approach.
• Leaders must advocate for solutions that maintain both democratic and federal integrity.
• Expanding representation without reducing existing seats offers a pragmatic way forward.

Q1. What is the core issue in the ongoing delimitation debate in India?

Ans. The core issue is whether Lok Sabha representation should be strictly based on population.

Q2. How does the North-South demographic divide impact the delimitation debate?

Ans. Southern states, with better human development indicators and lower fertility rates, fear losing political representation.

Q3. What are the potential challenges in reaching a consensus on delimitation?

Ans. Challenges include regional polarization, political contradictions within national parties, and the impracticality of MPs representing excessively large populations if the current seat distribution is frozen.

Q4. What are the proposed solutions to address the delimitation issue?

Ans. Solutions include expanding the Lok Sabha to prevent loss of representation for any state, reforming the Rajya Sabha for better federal balance, etc.

Q5. Why is federalism an important consideration in the delimitation process?

Ans. Federalism ensures that representation accounts for regional diversity, as seen in past delimitation exercises that guaranteed minimum representation for smaller states. 

Source: IE

Context

• Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the progress made toward gender equality while also highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in professional spaces.
• Despite corporate efforts to project an inclusive image, the reality of women in the workforce, especially in leadership roles, paints a starkly different picture.
• Therefore, it is crucial to examine the barriers that hinder women’s participation in leadership roles, the role of legal mandates in gender diversity, the benefits of women in leadership, and the necessity of real empowerment rather than symbolic inclusion.

The Challenges of Women’s Participation in the Workforce

• Limited Opportunities for Advancement
  • Women are often underrepresented in middle and senior management roles, leading to a phenomenon known as the ‘broken rung.’
  • This refers to the difficulty women face in securing their first promotion to managerial positions, which in turn limits their chances of progressing to higher leadership roles.
  • The lack of women in middle management creates a leadership pipeline issue, further reducing their presence in executive roles.
• Preference for Male Leadership Traits
  • Corporate cultures often value leadership traits traditionally associated with men, such as assertiveness and competitiveness, over those associated with women, such as collaboration and empathy.
  • This bias can result in fewer women being considered for senior leadership positions, even when they possess the necessary skills and experience.
• Glass Ceiling Effect
  • It refers to the invisible but real barriers that prevent women from advancing beyond a certain level in an organisation.
  • While entry-level hiring may provide women with initial opportunities, these efforts often do not translate into leadership positions due to institutional resistance and deeply ingrained workplace biases.
• Unequal Access to Networks and Mentorship
  • Professional growth often depends on mentorship, sponsorship, and access to influential networks.
  • Women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, frequently lack access to the same mentorship and sponsorship opportunities that their male colleagues enjoy.
  • This lack of professional support further limits their ability to advance within an organisation.
• Unconscious Bias and Stereotypes
  • Women frequently face unconscious biases that question their capabilities, leadership potential, and commitment to their jobs.
  • For example, women who exhibit strong leadership qualities may be perceived as ‘too aggressive’ or ‘bossy,’ while those who adopt a collaborative approach may be seen as lacking authority.
  • Such biases create a double bind, where women must carefully balance their behaviour to be taken seriously as leaders without being penalized for deviating from traditional gender norms.
• The Motherhood Penalty
  • One of the biggest challenges for women in the workforce is the motherhood penalty, where working mothers face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and pay.
  • Employers may assume that women with children are less committed to their jobs, leading to fewer opportunities for career advancement.
  • Additionally, workplace policies often fail to provide adequate support for working mothers, such as paid maternity leave, flexible work arrangements, and accessible childcare.

The Role of Legal Mandates in Advancing Gender Diversity

• In some regions, legal mandates have been instrumental in increasing women’s representation in leadership.
• India, for instance, has implemented progressive measures to ensure women’s inclusion in corporate governance.
• The Companies Act of 2013 requires public limited companies to have at least one female board member, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mandated that the top 1,000 listed companies appoint at least one independent female director.
• As a result, women’s representation on the boards of NSE 500 companies has increased from 5% in 2011 to 18% in 2023.
• These legal frameworks demonstrate that structured interventions can be effective in promoting gender diversity.
• However, for such initiatives to translate into meaningful change, companies must go beyond mere compliance and actively develop an environment where women can lead and influence decision-making.

The Benefits of Women in Leadership and the Way Forward

• The Benefits of Women in Leadership
  • Research has consistently shown that organisations benefit when women hold leadership positions.
  • A more diverse leadership team expands the talent pool, creates innovative thinking, and improves decision-making.
  • Women bring unique perspectives derived from varied educational backgrounds, career experiences, and professional networks.
  • Their leadership style, often characterised by collaboration and inclusivity, enhances team performance and stakeholder engagement.
  • From a corporate governance perspective, women in leadership improve risk management, strengthen shareholder value, and drive sustainable business practices.
  • Companies with strong female representation in senior roles are more likely to be recognised for their ethical standards and employee-friendly policies.
  • Such recognition not only enhances corporate reputation but also creates a cycle where more women aspire to and attain leadership positions.
• The Way Forward: Moving Beyond Token Representation
  • The true measure of progress lies in the actual influence and decision-making power granted to women in leadership roles.
  • Token appointments, where women are placed in positions without real authority, do little to advance gender equality.
  • Instead, companies must ensure that women occupy executive roles, serve as independent directors, and lead critical board committees.
  • Another key factor in achieving genuine equality is pay parity. Women must be compensated at the same level as their male counterparts, reflecting their contributions and responsibilities.
  • Without equitable pay, gender diversity initiatives remain superficial and fail to create lasting change.

Conclusion

• The rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the persistence of gender disparities in leadership, and the prevalence of tokenism all threaten to undermine hard-won gains.
• Legal mandates have played a crucial role in developing gender diversity, but true progress requires organizations to actively support and empower women in leadership positions.
• Beyond compliance and public relations efforts, companies must recognise the tangible benefits of gender diversity and work toward genuine inclusivity.

Q1. What is the "broken rung" in corporate leadership?
Ans. It refers to the difficulty women face in securing their first promotion to managerial positions, limiting their advancement to senior leadership roles.

Q2. How does workplace culture affect women’s career growth?
Ans. Unconscious biases, stereotypes, and workplace harassment create barriers that hinder women’s ability to advance in leadership positions

Q3. What is the impact of the rollback of DEI programs in the U.S.?
Ans. It threatens to reduce women’s participation in the workforce and leadership, potentially reversing progress in gender diversity.

Q4. Why is the gender pay gap more significant at higher corporate levels?
Ans. Women often receive lower bonuses, stock options, and executive compensation compared to their male counterparts.

Q5. How do legal mandates help increase women’s corporate representation?
Ans. Laws requiring female board members and independent directors have significantly improved women’s presence in leadership roles, as seen in India’s NSE 500 companies. 

Source:The Hindu

Context

• The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995, remains one of the most comprehensive global blueprints for advancing women’s rights.
• It laid out a road map for accelerating gender equality across 12 critical areas of concern, including education, health, economic empowerment, and political participation.
• Over the past three decades, India has made significant strides in these dimensions, driven by sustained policy efforts, grassroots activism, and the resilience of women and girls.
• Now it becomes imperative to examine India’s progress in gender equality, highlighting achievements in health, education, and economic empowerment while acknowledging the persistent challenges of gender-based violence.

India’s Achievements in Advancing Women’s Rights

• Health and Maternal Care: A Significant Leap Forward
  • One of India’s most notable achievements in advancing women’s rights has been in the field of healthcare, particularly maternal and reproductive health.
  • Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have significantly improved maternal health care, leading to an increase in institutional deliveries to 95%.
  • Furthermore, maternal mortality has decreased from 130 to 97 deaths per 100,000 births between 2014 and 2020, demonstrating progress in ensuring safer childbirth.
• Expansion of Reproductive health services
  • The expansion of reproductive health services has given women greater autonomy over their bodies.
  • Over half of married women (56.5%) now use modern contraceptives, empowering them with greater control over family planning.
  • The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program, has provided millions of women with access to critical medical treatment, further strengthening India’s commitment to women’s well-being.
• Education and Empowerment: A Path to Inclusion
  • Education has been at the heart of India’s gender equality agenda.
  • The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative has played a crucial role in improving the child sex ratio and increasing school enrolments for girls.
  • The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced reforms aimed at increasing retention rates and expanding opportunities for women in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
  • However, safety concerns in higher secondary education persist, necessitating further efforts to create a secure learning environment for girls.
• Economic Empowerment of Women: Bridging the Digital Divide
  • Economic independence is central to gender equality, and India has made remarkable progress in this area.
  • Through initiatives like the National Rural and Urban Livelihood Missions, nearly 100 million women have been integrated into financial networks via self-help groups, creating entrepreneurship and financial autonomy.
  • The expansion of digital financial services, particularly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has enabled more women to participate in the digital economy.
  • Moreover, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission has facilitated access to credit, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities for millions of rural women.
  • In addition, the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan has trained over 35 million rural women in digital literacy, ensuring their inclusion in the evolving digital landscape.
• Gender-Responsive Budgeting
  • Recognising the importance of financial investment in women’s empowerment, India has embraced gender-responsive budgeting.
  • The share of the Gender Budget in the total national budget has increased from 6.8% in 2024-25 to 8.8% in 2025-26, with $55.2 billion allocated toward gender-specific programs.
  • These financial commitments highlight India’s dedication to sustaining and expanding its progress toward gender equality.
• Women in Leadership: A Catalyst for Change
  • The active participation of women in leadership roles has been instrumental in driving India’s progress on gender equality.
  • Young women are emerging as leaders in climate action, digital entrepreneurship, and governance.
  • Initiatives like the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) Project, which supports women in STEM, and the G20 TechEquity Platform, which has trained thousands of young women in emerging technologies, reflect this transformation.
• Political Representation
  • Political representation has also seen a boost.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, which guarantees 33% representation for women in legislatures, builds on the success of local governance initiatives that have empowered 1.5 million women leaders, creating the world’s largest cohort of women in political leadership. 

Persistent Challenges in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

• Despite progress in many areas, gender-based violence remains a pressing issue.
• The Beijing Declaration emphasised the need to eliminate violence against women, yet many continue to face abuse and discrimination.
• In response, India has established 770 One Stop Centres, providing medical, legal, and psychological support to survivors of violence.
• Legal reforms have also strengthened protections for women. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, implemented in July 2024, enhances legal frameworks for women’s safety and justice.
• Innovations such as Odisha’s blockchain-based system have expedited support services for survivors, ensuring confidentiality and efficiency in assistance.
• Additionally, partnerships between the United Nations Population Fund and institutions like the Rajasthan Police Academy have enhanced gender-responsive policing, improving trust in law enforcement and increasing access to justice.
• While these measures represent progress, further efforts are needed to eliminate gender-based violence completely.

A Roadmap for the Future

• As India marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, it reaffirms its commitment to gender equality as a national and global priority.
• While significant progress has been made in health, education, and economic empowerment, challenges such as gender-based violence and workplace discrimination persist.
• Strengthening collaborations, investing in young women’s leadership, and addressing systemic barriers will be crucial in accelerating progress.

Conclusion:

• The Beijing Platform for Action continues to serve as a guiding framework for India’s journey toward gender equality.
• With sustained government efforts, strong partnerships, and an unwavering focus on women-led development, India is setting a global benchmark for inclusive and sustainable growth.
• Now, more than ever, these efforts are vital in shaping a more equitable and just world.

Q1. What is the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?
Ans. It is a global blueprint adopted in 1995 to accelerate gender equality, focusing on 12 critical areas such as education, health, and economic empowerment.

Q2. How has India improved maternal healthcare?
Ans. India has increased institutional deliveries to 95% and reduced maternal mortality from 130 to 97 deaths per 100,000 births through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.

Q3. What is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative?
Ans. It is a government program aimed at improving the child sex ratio and increasing school enrollment for girls in India.

Q4. How has India supported women’s economic empowerment?
Ans. India has connected nearly 100 million women to financial networks through self-help groups and expanded digital financial services via platforms like UPI.

Q5. What steps has India taken to combat gender-based violence?
Ans. India has established 770 One Stop Centres for survivors and introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 to strengthen legal protections for women. 

Source:The Hindu