Research suggests children better fed and educated if their mothers were given more control over finances
NEW DELHI (TrustLaw) – The Indian government is mulling a proposal that would make it mandatory for men to share a percentage of their monthly income with wives who stay at home to do household chores and look after the children, the Indian Express reported on Monday.
The proposal, which is being considered by the Women and Child Development Ministry, is based on the argument that if women in the home were given control over finances, it is more likely that their children would be better fed and better educated and there would be an overall improved standard of living for the family.
"We have conducted a survey on this theme and are planning to hold more consultations about this plan, which at present is in the consultation stage," Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath was quoted as saying.
"Whenever we ask homemakers what they do, most of them say they do nothing. So we feel that a mechanism can be devised to quantify and calculate the value of work that they do for their families. It will give a more socially empowered identity to these women."
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