Women in Constitution Assembly

Of the total 299 members of the assembly, 15 were women, left their mark on the making of the republic.

They used this platform to asserted their equality and crafting a politically balanced republic. 

AMMU SWAMINATHAN

Criticized the constitution as lengthy one and wanted a constitution to be of small volume shall enough to carry in pocket (friendly to common people)

In her debates and speeches she promoted and applauded equal rights given to Indian women by way of the constitution and expressed apprehension that whether it could bring real democracy to people.

ANNIE MASCARENE

Annie Mascarene’s speeches during the assembly debates reflected these issues: the need to find the right balance between power that would be given to the centre and to the provinces.

She emphasized that Centralization should be introduced at later stages, but not in the initial stages

BEGUM AIZAZ RASUL

Only muslim woman in the constituent assembly,

She moved several amendments for issues: like the need for ministers to hold office for a good period to get enough time to do work of real impact (She was in favor of Swiss method of single non transferrable vote)

She supported India’s membership to the Commonwealth, 

She opposed separate electorate and reservation for minorities.

Expressed concern over limitation put on fundamental rights.

DAKSHAYANI VELAYUDAN

A prominent dalit leader and first dalit woman to graduate in India. She wanted abolition of Untouchablility to be included in the constitution itself.

She opposed separate electorate and reservation for dalits ——- She wanted equality for dalits in all respects.

She advocated for abolition of forced labor or beggar and campaigned for decentralization

HANSA MEHTA

She opposed reservation for minorities, but, advocated reservation for Dalits due to historical injustice

Durgabai and Begum Aizaz

Advocated for non imposition of Hindi on non native speakers and promoted discussion on Independence of Judiciary

PURNIMA BANERJEE

Advocated  state’s control over religious instructions in schools so as to prevent imposition of religious ideals on Children. Supported progressive taxation and importance of giving separate identity to educational planning.

Advocated for humane treatment of arrested persons

RENUKA RAY

opposed to reservation of seats for women. Advocated for proper budget allocation for education