Election 2019: What Do College Girls Expect From Prospective Govt?

The countdown has begun for the 2019 elections and so have the speculations, debates and expectations. The fact that such large scale discussions are taking place from every nook and corner of the country strengthens one's faith in democracy. From the morning chai to midday coffees, from office cubicles to college canteens, one can easily listen in to find the upcoming election trends.

Women's issues have gained much momentum through regular protests, digital sensitization and empowering voices. Many students are first time voters and have expectations from the new government to be sworn in next year. SheThePeople.TV spoke to college students to know their views.

Shruti Gupta, a second year political science student from Kamala Nehru College, says she wants operating Internal Complaints Committee in all places of higher education.

Many students feel that legislation and implementation of policies dealing with women's issues need much more sensitization from the government. Proper functioning and more transparency is what college girls are looking for

Shruti further states the need to prioritize passing of the Women's Reservation Bill. "Make a task force to examine and repeal sexist laws and regulations. Increase state capacity (with focus on Judiciary & Police) to deal with rising crimes against women," she says.

Shakshi, a second year student from Kamala Nehru College, says, “First of all, the government should focus on human resource and make it efficient, in the sense they become a true asset to the country. Government should focus on basic things -- education and health -- which will have multiple positive effect in long term. Investing today in human resource, will improve the quality of the country. Only economic growth is not enough until it is accompanied by overall development."

Change in perspective

Recent times have witnessed path-breaking movements led by young minds of the country who demanded a more accepting mindset from the government. Pinjra tod protests in women's hostels across India and gay pride movements demanded broadening the scope of government policies. Here is what college girls have to say about expecting change in perspective from the new government:

Priyodarshini Debsharma, from Kamala Nehru College, says: “Beti bachao Beti padhao is the most ironical, yet "empowering", slogan one could yell out. Even though they want our girls to grow and achieve a lot, this slogan just breaks it down for us. Our daughters are born dependent and weak, thus they need to be educated and need to be saved. Rather than including it in the normal strata, it has become a trend. What do we expect as college students from the upcoming government? A new spectrum of thinking.”

Maitreyi Jha, a second year from St. Stephens College, echoing voices of many students, says, “I hope the next government doesn't actively propagate hate and exclusion. Though it seems like a pretty far-fetched dream to be honest.”

What will happen is another debate altogether, but the rise of such demands and voicing of issues by women is going to set a new landmark in the upcoming elections.

Also Read: What Women In Rajasthan’s Villages Want From The Upcoming Elections

Rachna Chandira is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv