Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (50-60 words) Briefly introduce Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, highlighting his importance in India’s history. Mention his role as a freedom fighter and his key contribution to India’s unification after independence. Example: “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader of the ...
Model Answer Introduction The status of women in India prior to independence was marked by deep-rooted inequalities and discrimination. Women had limited access to education, employment, and political participation. However, since India gained independence in 1947, significant strides have been madeRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The status of women in India prior to independence was marked by deep-rooted inequalities and discrimination. Women had limited access to education, employment, and political participation. However, since India gained independence in 1947, significant strides have been made in improving the rights and opportunities available to women, particularly in political representation, education, employment, and social status.
Political Representation
One of the most notable advancements for women in post-independent India has been in political representation. The number of women in Parliament has increased significantly, from just 22 in 1952 to 78 in 2019. Additionally, the number of women holding ministerial positions also saw growth, peaking at 11 in 2019. Women have also assumed the position of Chief Minister in several states, with 16 states having had a female CM, the first being Sucheta Kriplani in Uttar Pradesh in 1963.
Education
In terms of education, the literacy rate among women has seen a remarkable improvement, rising from just 8.9% in 1951 to 70.3% in 2011. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in primary education increased from 77.1% in 2000 to 97.4% in 2019. Similarly, GER in secondary education rose from 34.3% in 2000 to 79.3% in 2019, demonstrating significant progress in women’s access to education.
Employment
Despite improvements in education, women’s participation in the labor force has declined. The labor force participation rate for women dropped from 35.5% in 2004-05 to 22.5% in 2017-18. Moreover, the gender wage gap remains a challenge, with urban areas experiencing a 20.9% gap and rural areas a 18.7% gap as of 2018. Women also represent only 23.7% of the formal workforce, reflecting ongoing disparities in employment.
Social Status
Socially, India has seen a reduction in practices like child marriage, with its prevalence dropping from 50% in 1985 to 27% in 2016. The maternal mortality rate also improved, falling from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-13 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-18. However, gender-based violence remains a serious issue, with 30% of women reporting physical or sexual violence from their husbands in the National Family Health Survey (2015-16).
Conclusion
While India has made notable progress in advancing the status of women since independence, there are still significant challenges to overcome in achieving gender equality. Continued efforts are required to address ongoing issues such as employment disparities and gender-based violence to ensure that women fully benefit from the opportunities available in post-independent India.
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Model Answer Introduction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born in Gujarat, was one of the most influential leaders in India’s history. A lawyer by profession, Patel became a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi. While he played a crucial role in India’s sRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born in Gujarat, was one of the most influential leaders in India’s history. A lawyer by profession, Patel became a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi. While he played a crucial role in India’s struggle for freedom, his most significant contribution came after independence, where he became the architect of India’s political unity.
Contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Pre-independent India
Sardar Patel’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle were vast and varied. He was an active participant in several key movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), where he gave up his successful legal practice and championed the cause of swaraj by establishing the Gujarat Vidyapeeth, promoting education away from government schools.
Patel’s leadership was instrumental in the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), where farmers protested against unfair taxes imposed by the British. Under Patel’s guidance, the movement was successful, and the tax was withdrawn, solidifying his reputation as a leader of the masses. He was also a strong supporter of the Quit India Movement in 1942, which aimed at ending British rule in India.
Patel’s negotiation skills were crucial in the complex discussions around India’s freedom and partition. He worked closely with the British to secure India’s independence, ensuring that the country was on the path to freedom.
Contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Post-independent India
After independence, Patel was entrusted with the responsibility of integrating over 500 princely states into the newly formed Indian Union. His tireless efforts led to the peaceful accession of most states, ensuring the political unity of India.
As India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Patel played an essential role in drafting the Indian Constitution and headed several important committees, including the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and the Provincial Constitution Committee. His efforts to preserve the Indian Civil Services and manage the aftermath of Partition helped stabilize the country.
Conclusion
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contributions to India, both before and after independence, were instrumental in shaping the nation. His leadership and vision of a united India continue to inspire future generations, making him a pivotal figure in India’s history.
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