President Gives Assent to Women’s Reservation Bill: A Historic Step Towards Gender Equality

In a historic move, President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Women’s Reservation Bill, a significant piece of legislation that seeks to provide 33% reservation to women in both the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) and State Assemblies. This landmark decision was announced by the Law Ministry in a notification on September 29, 2023.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, initially introduced as the Constitution (128th) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, will now be known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act. This change in nomenclature is due to the fact that some proposed constitutional amendments related to the bill are still awaiting approval by Parliament.

The bill is slated to come into force on a date specified by the Central government through an official gazette notification, as mentioned in the Law Ministry’s notification.

This momentous development comes after years of debate and deliberation in India’s political landscape and is a testament to the commitment of the government to promote gender equality and empower women in the country.

A Special Session and Unanimous Support

During a special session of Parliament held earlier in the same month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the law as the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” emphasising the importance of recognising and honouring the strength and contribution of women in society.

The Constitution Amendment Bill received significant support in the Lok Sabha, where it was passed with near unanimity. Only two members opposed it, showcasing the widespread consensus on the need for such legislation. In the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, the bill was unanimously passed, further highlighting its bipartisan nature and importance.

Implementation After Census and Delimitation Exercise

While the Women’s Reservation Bill has received the green light, it is important to note that its implementation will occur after the next census and a subsequent delimitation exercise. The delimitation exercise involves the redrawing of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies, which will determine the specific seats reserved for women.

The quota for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies is set to remain in effect for a duration of 15 years. After this period, Parliament has the authority to extend the benefits provided by the bill.

Notably, within the reservation for women, there is a sub-quota reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) women. However, the Opposition had called for the extension of this benefit to include Other Backward Classes (OBC) women as well.

A Long-Awaited Reform

The Women’s Reservation Bill, first introduced in 1996, has experienced numerous twists and turns on its journey to becoming law. It faced a significant hurdle when it was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2010 but was not brought to the Lok Sabha by the Congress-led UPA due to a lack of consensus and inadequate numbers to push it through at that time.

Data reveals a stark gender imbalance in India’s legislative bodies. Women Members of Parliament (MPs) currently constitute approximately 15% of the Lok Sabha’s strength, while their representation falls below 10% in many State Assemblies. The Women’s Reservation Bill, once fully implemented, is expected to contribute significantly to rectifying this gender disparity and ensuring greater gender equity in the country’s political landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assent given to the Women’s Reservation Bill is a historic moment for India, marking a significant step toward gender equality and women’s empowerment in the political arena. As the bill’s provisions are gradually put into practice, India is poised to witness a more diverse and inclusive representation in its legislative bodies, reflecting the nation’s commitment to fostering a fair and equitable society.