Gender concern in water resources management is globally seen as instrumental in
achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness and equity in the sector. The role of women in water management has long been recognized by the Indian administration. One of the reasons for this is the importance of women in terms of their numerical strength and the significant contribution they make to the agricultural labor force.
In the primarily agricultural Indian setup, there is a strong need to encourage participation of women in even greater strength. Consequently, at least one of the states in India (and a drought hit one) has now declared reservation for women in all local water governing bodies at all levels.
The National Water Policy (India) of 1987 and 2002 both emphasized the importance of involving farmers progressively in various aspects of management of irrigation systems, particularly in water distribution and collection of water charges. It also specifically emphasized that all Indian States should consider representation of women in the Water Users’ Associations (WUAs). As a consequence, many States amended their Irrigation Acts or came out with Specific Acts on Participatory Irrigation Management.
Some of the State Governments have already taken initiatives and have made specific provisions for women’s participation. Now, with the new notification, all women farm owners have to be made the rightful members of any committee setup to regulate the use and supply of water. This may seem like a small step but it surely is one in the right direction.
In the state of Madhya Pradesh, efforts have also been made to ensure that in administrative units where there are no women members, at least one woman from the area must be taken even if she is not a land owner. Further, as per the recent notification, at least one woman shall be nominated to the Governing Body of the Association. It seems the recent drought in the country has been an eye opener for the policy makers. It has certainly been a warning of the tough times that lie ahead, if our natural resources are degraded and mismanaged at the current pace.
Image by Daniel courtesy Flickr!
Could you give any further information on what policies exactly the indian (local) government(s) initiated. I have read in another article, that a fixed amount of government seats will be reserved for women to take. Was there a nationwide reform, if yes could you tell me where I can find further information, or are these policies made on a local basis through local governments?
I would very much appreciate your reply.
Thanks in advance.