This column first appeared in The Print on December 6, 2021.
Despite steady progress in the number of women entering the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), gender disparity persists in key leadership roles, such as district magistrates (DMs) and higher government posts. Since 2014, women have comprised approximately 30% of those clearing the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. However, their representation in critical positions like DMs remains disproportionately low, standing at just 19% nationwide.
Data collected from various state government portals reveals that out of 716 districts analyzed, only 142 districts have women serving as DMs. Among India’s 20 most populous states, some of the worst-performing in terms of women’s representation are Haryana (4%), Chhattisgarh (7%), Bihar (8%), Gujarat (9%), and Madhya Pradesh (10%). For instance, Haryana, a state known for its high rates of crimes against women, has only one woman DM across its 22 districts, in Hisar.
In contrast, the best-performing states include Delhi, where 81% of districts are managed by women, followed by Kerala (71%), West Bengal (39%), Assam (27%), and Punjab (27%). Despite this, the representation of women DMs in even the top-performing states like Assam and Punjab remains below 30%.
This imbalance at the DM level underscores the broader challenges women face in ascending to higher levels of administrative authority. According to data analyzed by India Spend, as of January 3, 2022, women comprised just 14% of secretaries to the Government of India, with only 13 out of 92 positions occupied by women. At the state level, there were just two women serving as chief secretaries. Furthermore, India has yet to witness a woman in pivotal roles like Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, or Defence Secretary.
The underrepresentation of women in key decision-making roles is a reflection of systemic challenges, including societal biases and structural barriers that limit women’s advancement in public service. Addressing this disparity is crucial, not only for gender equity but also for fostering diverse leadership that can better represent and address the needs of all citizens.
Efforts to promote women in leadership positions must go beyond increasing intake into the IAS and focus on creating equitable opportunities for career advancement. Mentorship programs, gender-sensitive workplace policies, and active government initiatives to break stereotypes are essential steps toward achieving greater representation and inclusivity in Indian governance…
Read More: The Print
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