Women in workforce

The article ‘The missing women in workforce data’ (January 23) rightly points out the prevailing position with regard to women’s participation in the economy. In India, a high proportion of females report their activity status as attending to domestic duties and their percentage has been increasing. In 2011-12, 35.3 per cent of rural females and 46.1 per cent of urban females were attending to domestic duties as against 29 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, in 1993-94. But many of these women could have been partly or fully engaged in some work and have been wrongly classified. Census enumerators should be sensitised to this aspect so that they can report the correct position. There should be a system to report even part-time work, particularly in the case of women.

Jaipur

Apart from the need for including women who contribute to the work done by men as a part of workforce, there is also a need to reckon and include the work done by women as home-makers in the calculation of GDP. According to a study done a few years back across six States, Indian women spend 36 hours a week in domestic chores as against seven hours a week contributed by men. These woman-hours, just short of 40 hours a week by men at work and that too without any weekly off and allotted rest time, should also earn recognition and respect from the family they serve. It is a social and economic imperative.

Pune

Train 18, an indigenously developed and built locomotive by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) that integrates speed (of 180 kmph) with luxury, is undoubtedly a significant development for Indian railways.

With its state-of-the-art features like automatic doors, sliding footsteps and revolving seats to align with the direction of travel, Train 18 in all likelihood would redefine passenger comfort in rail travel in the country. Low cost and yet on a par with global standards, Train 18, the flagship product of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, has already grabbed the attention of countries in the Middle East, South America and South-East Asia and would become a major player in the international loco-market sooner than later.

As only 0.3 per cent of existing railway tracks in the country can sustain speeds of 160 kmph and beyond, the roll out of Train 18 across the length and breadth of the country requires extensive upgradation of tracks and the railway system. While the train marks an important milestone in the history of Indian railways, track upgradation holds the key for passengers to experience its comfort.

Sholavandan, TN

The Indian culture, thinking, style of living, way of dressing, customs and traditions are fading away, thanks to the adoption of western culture. Hot samosas, one of the most favoured snacks of Delhiites, have now been taken over by momos, pizzas, pasta and Chinese food among others. Many of these food items are not suited for Indian climatic conditions and, hence, are the cause for a host of diseases. Ironically, western nations are now copying the Indian way of living and diet even as we are moving away from our culture and heritage.

For healthy living, the Indian tradition of having fresh cooked food is most appropriate. Reheating must as far as possible be avoided as in doing so much of the food value is lost.

New Delhi

Although delayed, it is a welcome move to initiate corporate governance reforms at public sector banks to establish a diversified/experienced board structure, performance-oriented management system for operational staff and efficient top-level committee to expedite the decision-making process. It is important that banks attain an optimal structure and avoid over-capitalisation in order to resolve the root cause of NPAs. Eased norms on lending and capital-conservation buffer can increase exposure to market risks and reduce the cash at hand.

New Delhi

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