[Reader-list] universal civil code

[Rakesh Iyer]

Dear Malik jee

Literacy is an important criterion in looking at such issues, because
educated women won't take such acts lightly and will either ask for a public
debate or run away with their 'love' to simply escape the treachery, rather
than bear the burden of traditions and unfreedoms imposed upon them by the
panchayats.

However, literacy alone cant' solve the problem. Haryana has literacy around
55% figure for women, which is quite low for a state which has had quite a
good rate of economic growth thanks to agricultural activities. What can
solve the problem is a public discussion on freedoms of women, and such
issues, and for a proper public discussion which can help in ensuring a good
outcome, one of the requirements is not just literacy, but education of
females (in addition to people being rational, inequalities dont' play a
role in public discussion, and people decide by consensus what should be the
social norms, all of which are not too easy to enforce or be encouraged, I
accept).

Political and social participation would also be an important requirement in
ensuring that women can play a role, and this can be in various ways. For
example, if women as a group themselves decide that they won't vote on vote
bank considerations but looking at merit and importance given to them,
things can change. However, this also requires public debates and
discussion.

However, it's good that we are in agreement that women do have rights, and
such kind of unfreedoms should not be tolerated in our society.

Regards

Rakesh