Women in Work Force
October 2, 2013 6 Comments
The working population in India is typically classified as 15-59 years age group. As a general philosophy every able bodied person is liable for their own upkeep and maintenance. Which implies every able bodied man and woman should ideally work and contribute to the society. This is to ensure that free riders are not there and the economy prospers.
A very important element in the growth for the economy is the participation of women in the workforce. The Labour Force Participation Rate[i] for men and women in India are given below:
From the above table we see that Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women has reduced over the years as India is progressing towards development. Implying that more women choose to stay at home and not have an economic contribution. Such a trend should be a matter of concern for any society as free riders are like a parasite which is a non-mutual relationship where one party benefits at the cost of the other.
One of the reasons extended for women not working is that they take care of the household which should be considered as an economic activity. As per the NSO survey[ii], women spend about 2.1 hours cooking food and about 1.1 hours cleaning the house and utensils daily. In essence, women put in a total of 3.3 hours a day working within the house as compared to around 11 hours put in by their counterparts (ie. men). Hence, this justification also does not hold water.
One of the reasons for this disturbing trend of workforce participation of women reducing could be the lop-sided (biased) laws of India. All social and economic responsibilities are supposed to be shouldered by men and further there are no government programmes for their benefit. Let us take the example of maintenance, as per Section 125 of CrPC the liability for maintenance of wife, children and parents is only on men. No such liability is conferred on the women in India. If both men and women are considered equal then why such biased laws?
The effect of such laws is evident in the society with women becoming complacent and leaving the workforce. This has increased the parasitic tendencies and is a recipe for economic downturn.
What are your thoughts on this negative trend? Do feel free to comment…
[i] NSSO employment surveys 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68. Usual Principal Status approach data (Urban + Rural). (Participation rate per 1,000)
[ii] National Statistical Organization: Men and Women in India, 2012 – 14th Issue, Para 33
Home Page: Stand Up for a Cause…
Stand up for a Cause ... 
When there is such a currency printing machine 498a/ DV is there then why should the woman work. marry a rich guy, slap him with false 498a then extort money , give divorce. now search another bakra. Such a good profession. No work only pay.
Do refer to case “Vimal brings Sheetal and her parents to justice” of Saavdhaan India. It discusses a similar modus operandi…
The trend is highly disturbing for a populous country like ours. There would be a major upheaval in the society if freebies are promoted. Country is spending its scarce resources on ensuring that women receive free education, reservation and nourishment. If women don’t become part of workforce all the knowledge created is lost. In addition the lopsided laws would ensure that women are incentivized to live on other’s money by hook or crook. There would be increase misuse of Rape and Dowry harassment laws.
Yes Avinash, it is a matter of concern…
Pingback: Maintenance of Spouse | Stand up for a Cause ...
Pingback: Uniform Civil Code: Is it Required? | Stand up for a Cause ...