Role Of Women In Economic Development In Punjab And Haryana: A Legal Perspective

Ankita Mukherjee, LL.M., Central University of Haryana

1. Introduction:

The economic progress of any society depends on the participation of all sections of population and now more so women, who make significant but unnoticed contributions to economies. Considering this matter, Punjab and Haryana are the two Indian states those are very unique in both economic model and societal structures. Both states are agricultural economies and among the richest in India; such status can be partly ascribed to the “Green Revolution”, which significantly enhanced agricultural production in the region. [1] However, despite such economic growth, gender disparities remain strong when it comes to economic engagement. Here women have been important actors, particularly in agriculture, informal employment, and micro-enterprise sectors. However, the total actualization of women’s capabilities’ is often thwarted by societal norms, patriarchal customs, and even an ineffectual legal structure. [2]

India’s legal system provides support for gender equality in various constitutional provisions, laws and policies. The Constitution of India upholds equality principles and no discrimination. Article 14 [3] of the Constitution of India enunciates “equality before the law”, whereas Article 15 and 16 [4] of the Constitution of India prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender and other grounds. [5] Some major enactments have been made regarding legislation to protect women rights, to protect their rights related to employment and inheritance as well as social security.