“Gender bias in Indian elections” (April 23) by Sudipta Sarangi and Chandan K Jha highlighted several troubling issues. How sad it is that in the electoral process, where women outnumber men as far as voters go, women do not find enough representation in Parliament because voters lack faith in their abilities.

It is foolish logic. It is an open secret that Indian society is largely male-dominated. But it is up to us to break that pattern and start entrusting women with greater responsibilities.

Talk of the Women’s Reservation Bill has been going on for many years now but, despite having strong women leaders in Sushma Swaraj and Sonia Gandhi, neither the BJP nor the Congress were able to push through the legislation. The much talked of gender equality has to begin with the lawmakers. As the article says, it is time we borrowed from the successful policies adopted by countries such as Canada, Austria, France and Sweden in this regard.

On their part, the men need to give their counterparts enough space by curbing their egos and giving women equal opportunities in every sense of the term.

Bal Govind

Noida

Responsible mining

The editorial “Mine responsibly” (April 23) rightly points out that every State should be able to use its natural resources to further the welfare of its people.

But in doing so it has to pay serious attention to environment concerns and the problems of the people affected by the project, as well as the place itself. Strict action to curb illegal mining is needed.

Exploiting and using natural resources is crucial for industrial growth that is an urgent need to revive growth, not only for the country’s development but to solve the problems of unemployment, and developing and securing the benefits of the demographic dividend.

A Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

Perception problem

This refers to “Gender bias in Indian elections” (April 23). There are important historical reasons that act as negative factors in the successful involvement of the fairer sex in politics. Unlike men, even after a high level of education, many women lack adequate exposure in public life.

Thus interaction between the public and women are scarce and ineffective. Women are typically drawn to certain patterns and occupations in life and are often unwilling to participate in activities requiring prolonged effort and time. Often, such a lifestyle is unsuited to the rigours of political work. Political leaders, who set their targets very high, are therefore loath to take on women in crucial roles. Doing so, however, they often lose out on valuable skills and opportunities.

In the present context, it is vital that women are involved more in important political positions, with their leaders giving them a free hand in taking decisions and managing public relations.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Medical insurance

If there is a uniform maximum age and common benefits in medical cover, it would be most helpful. Even after specific enquiries, I was not able to get any proper information from my bankers when I raised the issue at a customers meet.

“We do not have enough staff,” was the stock reply. Only a few staff members are even aware of this policy.

All general insurance companies are expected to sell Janatha accident insurance policy (₹60 a year premium for ₹1 lakh cover for death due to accident).

But none of them come forward to give such schemes wide publicity, where even school-going children are easily covered.

In fact group policies can be issued for entire sets of workers and for schools, including the teachers and the taught.

S Leelavathy

Online

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