States Watch

DELHI

Sheila Dikshit Takes Lead in Empowering Women

NEW DELHI : If anyone has any doubt today, International Women’s Day, about the role of women in the Capital’s corridors of power, a close look at the Delhi Government’s political and administrative set-up is enough to dispel it. To be sure, the Sheila Dikshit Government, which has launched various initiatives to empower women on the 8th of March, is a fine example of women’s empowerment and the difference it can make.

Leading from the front is the Chief Minister, Smt. Sheila Dikshit, herself. She has waged many battles both on the political and administrative fronts during her four years in office and has managed to score over her opponents. Mentally strong and physically agile, Smt. Dikshit has fought against the dominance of men within her party and proved her critics and opponents wrong by entering her fifth year in office smoothly. Of course, it is a different matter that she has the strong backing of another sturdy and charming woman - the Congress president, Smt. Sonia Gandhi.

On the administrative front, the Chief Minister has successfully waged a struggle against the diktats of the Central Government. She was able to secure a moral victory on issues raised by her. Be it the fight for securing more powers for Delhi and its duly elected Government or protecting the interests of the elected representatives, Smt. Dikshit has always led from the front. "I draw inspiration from the former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who witnessed many ups and downs in her life. And now we have a charismatic and mass leader in Smt. Sonia Gandhi. She has been a great inspiration and guiding force for me during the past so many years. I think women are the catalyst for change and can work effectively to make the necessary modifications required in the changing scenario and times," she added.

"I feel proud of the fact that women are widely represented in my government and occupy positions of strength and leadership. My experience with them has been quite enriching although there could always be exceptions," says Ms. Dikshit. The Chief Minister has taken adequate care to ensure that women get the best deal during her reign. She personally picked up the present Chief Secretary, Shailja Chandra, despite resistance from Raj Nivas and officials in the Home Ministry. Seen as intelligent and a perfectionist, Ms. Chandra has got along well with the Chief Minister and this has reflected in the overall administration.

Not one to be satisfied with small gains, the Chief Minister has put women in important posts in her own administration as well. The most important Transport Department is headed by Sindhushree Khullar, who is giving her best for implementation of the Urban Transport Action Plan unveiled by the government last year. Similarly, the Excise Commissioner, Debasree Banerjee, again heads a powerful post. Then there is Sumati Mehta, who has recently been appointed as Commissioner, Food and Supplies. The Art and Culture Department is headed by senior IAS officer, Nita Bali and the Social Welfare by another senior officer, Neeru Nanda, who recently returned from deputation.

And last but not the least, is the Chief Minister’s Office which has two women IAS officials helping her round-the-clock. Heading the team in the CMO is Renu Sharma, Secretary to Ms.. Dikshit, who is also seen as the eyes and ears of the Chief Minister. Ms. Dikshit regularly relies upon this seasoned officer for advice on various administrative matters. Then there is the Additional Secretary, Rita Kumar, who has been given the all-important charge of Public Grievances and problems relating to the MLAs. Both the women officials and a number of others have been personally hand picked by the Chief Minister and enjoy her confidence.