Women placeholders on their family seats

NEW DELHI: During each house meeting, the visitors' gallery at Civic Centre—headquarters of South and North corporations—is packed with menfolk from the women councillors' families. Although rules do not permit outsiders to witness the proceedings, an exception was made after 50% seats were reserved for women in the corporation. "Husbands or other men from the family accompany the women councillors. That is why we allow them to see the proceedings,'' said a senior BJP councillor. The men not only occupy the gallery but also do some teleprompting—women councillors get cues on the questions to raise over phone.

So, has the 50% reservation really empowered women? To an extent, yes. "In the present setup, the answer is no. But the real result will be seen in the next municipal elections. When 33% reservation was introduced in the erstwhile MCD, women's participation in governance was very poor: they got tickets due to their family connection. But when they got re-elected in 2007, they were more confident,'' said a senior BJP councillor.

Some second-term women councillors say they are better than their male counterparts. "Women are more patient and efficient by nature," said Rekha Gupta, education committee chairman in North corporation. "They can deal with officials. That the tickets at the time of election were given to women within the family is no secret. But even if some are able to perform, it has empowered women. When something like this happens, it is not possible to see the results within a year."

At present, even women holding positions in the corporations are swayed by their menfolk. For instance, last July, the public grievance cell of the chief minister's office had served a notice on south Delhi mayor Savita Gupta for alleged misuse of office. There were complaints that her husband Ashwani Gupta, a builder, and relatives were influencing her decisions in corporation affairs.

In last year's municipal elections, most of the tickets were given to women from the families of sitting councillors, legislators and other party heavyweights. Although all political parties have a women's wing, leaders say 'winnability' is the criterion for ticket distribution.

"Shortage of women leaders in politics who can assure victory was the main reason for giving tickets to family member of sitting councillors,'' explained a member of the house. Councillors say women are more proactive and diligent but at present they are not able to get officials to work. "It takes time to understand the functioning of the corporation. First-time councillors do find it difficult. But once they understand the functioning, they are able to get work done. The second time women councillors are very confident,'' said Mahinder Nagpal, leader of the house, North corporation.

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