Former Water Resources Secretary Alok Rawat has been appointed as the fourth member of the National Commission for Women, becoming the first man to be part of the five-member body.
I feel that the presence of a male would provide a better understanding to the women issues. I will learn the job first as issues pertaining to women are a bit different from development agenda. So I will observe and learn first.
Alok Rawat
Rawat was reportedly amused when he first heard of his appointment.
I thought the person was pulling my leg. So I said ‘Look, am I supposed to wear a sari and then take over?’
Alok Rawat to Indian Expresss
Rawat also said:
The main difference between men and women is of physical nature. There is only a fractional difference in the overall capacity of the brains. If you train the woman and give her the same employment opportunity and the same skills you give a man, they would be equal.
A 1977 batch Sikkim cadre IAS officer, Rawat has served as Director/Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Secretary (UPSC); Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances) in the Cabinet Secretariat and Secretary in Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
(With PTI inputs)
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