Why in the News?

June 25 is the birth anniversary of “Sucheta Kripalani”, India’s first woman Chief Minister.

Who was Sucheta Kripalani?

Sucheta Kripalani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab. Daughter of S. N. Majumdar, a government surgeon. She studied at Indraprastha College for Women and St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
She married J. B. Kripalani, a former Congress president and Gandhian, in April 1936 against familial and Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes.

Early Career: Joined BHU to teach Constitutional History in 1929, participated in Satyagraha, and was imprisoned in 1940.
Congress Role: Organized the foreign affairs wing of AICC and later founded the All India Mahila Congress.
- She won by a margin of 99 votes over Kamalapati Tripathi and was sworn in as CM on October 2, 1963.

Educational Reforms: Waived school fees for girls up to Class 10 from January 1965. Established Meerut University and Kanpur University.
Social Reforms: Increased reservation for SCs in government jobs to 24% in Group C and 45% in Group D until the 18% target was achieved.
Infrastructure Developments: Established a Sainik School in Ghorakhal, a new medical college in Meerut, and the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. She created the post of agriculture production commissioner.
Crime Control: Neutralized many dacoits in the Chambal Valley with the help of the Police Radio Unit.
Anti-Corruption Stance: Emphasized the need to tackle growing corruption in public services, supporting the Union government’s initiative to appoint a vigilance commission.
Multifaceted Contributions: Involved in relief activities for the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Noakhali riots, Tibetan refugee rehabilitation, and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
- Criticism and Response: Faced criticism for being influenced by English, despite being a staunch supporter of Hindi. Advocated for creating an atmosphere for Hindi in governance.

Post-CM Career: Served as Lok Sabha MP until 1971.
Impact: Her tenure as CM and various social contributions left a lasting impact on Indian politics and society, especially in terms of women’s leadership and social reforms.

[2011] With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for:

(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement

(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru