Women Reservation in India: A Fair and Necessary Measure

India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse demographics, has long struggled to ensure equal representation and empowerment of women in political institutions. One significant step towards achieving this is the Women Reservation Bill. This article explores the background, current status, and potential impact of this landmark legislation.

Background of Women Reservation

India has a long-standing tradition of providing reservations to specific social and ethnic groups, such as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Currently, 15% of the seats in the Lok Sabha and 7.5% in state legislative assemblies are reserved for SCs and STs, respectively. However, women have not been provided with such reservations in the national or state legislatures, leading to a significant under-representation.

The very first step towards women reservation was the introduction of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2008 (108th Amendment), now known as the 128th Amendment Bill. This bill, proposed by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), aimed to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Although the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, it was never presented to the Lok Sabha.

The 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2023

Recent efforts to forward this cause have led to the introduction of the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2023. This bill, introduced by Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, proposes a reservation of 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, specifically for women. The bill also aims to enhance women's participation in policymaking and enrich legislative debates.

Highlights of the Bill

33% Reservation in Lok Sabha: The bill proposes that 181 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha be reserved for women, bringing the number of women members to at least 181. State Legislative Assemblies: The bill also proposes similar provisions for all state legislative assemblies and the legislative assembly of Delhi. Exclusion of Rajya Sabha and Legislative Councils: The reservation does not apply to the Rajya Sabha or state legislative councils. Duration of Reservation: The reservation will be for a period of 15 years from the date of the Act's commencement. Queuing of Reserved Seats: The bill does not specify how these seats will be identified, but it proposes the rotation of reserved seats.

The bill highlights the government's commitment to women's empowerment and their role in policy-making. It aims to increase the representation of women in the legislative process, which is crucial for the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies.

Criticism and Controversies

While the bill has received significant support, it has also faced criticism from various quarters. Opposing parties accuse the government of using the bill as a political tool to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Some parties have demanded reservations for women from minority communities and for other backward classes (OBCs).

Notably, two members from the AIMIM party voted against the bill, contending that it would exclusively benefit 'Savarna' women. They argued that it is crucial to allocate seats for OBC and Muslim women, whose representation in the legislature is even lower.

Current Status and Implementation

The bill was passed unanimously by the Rajya Sabha on 21 September 2023. It has now been sent to all state legislative assemblies for ratification by a simple majority. If the bill receives ratification from at least half of the state legislative assemblies, it will be sent to the President for her assent. After the President's assent, the bill will become the Constitution 106th Amendment Act 2023, and the Union government will notify the date of its implementation.

Conclusion

India has made significant strides towards women's empowerment, but the reservation for women in legislative bodies is a critical step in ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The upcoming constitutional amendment, if passed, will not only enhance women's representation but also further the goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable society. As India continues to evolve, women's active participation in the legislative process is vital for fostering genuine equality and progress.

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