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The woman who brought about 'mothers's empowerment'

But for the untiring efforts of an enterprising woman, the recent decision of the Delhi University's academic council allowing students to write their mothers's name in application forms would have perhaps not come about.

The authorities took the path-breaking step following a directive from the University Grants Commission, which in turn was influenced by the repeated pleas of Dr Amita Ahuja, a joint director with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

On April 18, the UGC had directed the registrars of all universities to take appropriate action to include mothers's name, along with those of fathers, in all college and university admission forms, degrees and certificates.

With the Delhi University taking the lead, it should only be a matter of time before other institutions follow suit.

The step is aimed at helping the children of unwed, divorced or separated mothers, for whom the column marked 'Father's Name' is embarrassing.

"Every year the university has quite a few cases of children of single parents," says DU Registrar K K Panda, "They find the slot for father's name quite disturbing.''

Dr Ahuja is upset that her initiative went unacknowledged by the DU authorities, despite UGC Additional Secretary R P Gangurde's letter to the registrars, which highlighted her persistent efforts.

''I would like to draw your kind attention on the inclusion of mothers's name in all the application forms, degrees and certificates issued by the universities and colleges as suggested by Dr Amita Ahuja... '' runs the letter.

Happy that her efforts have borne fruit, Dr Ahuja says, ''I did not take all this trouble just to spare the children of single mothers the embarrassment that they face in such situations, but to correct the gender bias and get a mother her due share. A child's identity flows from both parents.''

Dr Ahuja said she kept the pressure on the government by writing letters to various departments and officials concerned, and also lobbying through the media.

She alleged that though the government conceded her request in 1996, various bodies, including the UGC, had delayed its implementation.

However, the UGC direction is only part of Dr Ahuja's demand. She hoped that other institutions like the Central Board of Secondary Education and All India Council of Technical Education and government bodies would incorporate this change.

''The mother who gives birth to the child and participates in his or her development should not be subjected to such discrimination. It goes against the spirit of women's empowerment,'' she says.

''There is the provision to use even the late father's name instead that of the living mother!'' she laments.

UNI

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