“In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years.” Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (150 words)
Indian culture values gender equality, yet female public servants face unique challenges despite increasing representation in public service.
Gender-Specific Challenges Faced by Female Public Servants:
- Work-Life Balance: Domestic responsibilities lead to stress and reduced efficiency.
- Gender Bias and Stereotyping: Persistent stereotypes hinder career growth and decision-making roles.
- Safety and Harassment: Workplace harassment and safety concerns limit women’s confidence and productivity.
- Limited Networking Opportunities: Restricted access to informal networks affects mentorship and career progression.
- Unequal Work Opportunities: Fewer challenging assignments restrict skill development.
Measures to Increase Efficiency and Probity:
- Flexible Work Policies: Implement work-from-home, maternity benefits, and childcare facilities.
- Strict Anti-Harassment Policies: Strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms with zero-tolerance enforcement.
- Training and Mentorship Programs: Provide leadership training and mentorship.
- Gender Sensitization Programs: Address biases and create a supportive work culture.
Conclusion: Ensuring a supportive environment for female public servants enhances efficiency, integrity, and equitable representation in governance.
![You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant worker. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region, But in practice. most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately. [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/plugins/pt-content-views-pro/public/assets/images/lazy_image.png)
