Q. With the Women’s Reservation likely to be implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, what steps should political parties take now to ensure the emergence of capable women leaders? Evaluate the measures in present context of lower women representation in Indian Polity. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Core Demand of the Question

  • Highlight the reasons for lower women representation in Indian Polity.
  • Discuss the steps should political parties take now to ensure the emergence of capable women leaders as Women’s Reservation will be implemented in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Answer

Introduction

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, or the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, is a landmark law mandating 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This historic step seeks to enhance women’s political representation, strengthen participative democracy, and advance gender-equitable governance in India.

Low Representation of Women in Politics

  • Low Representation in the Parliament : In the 18th Lok Sabha (2024), only 74 women MPs were elected, forming 13.6% of the house, down from 14.4% in 2019 and well below the global average of 26.9%.
    Similarly in the Rajya Sabha, women hold just 14.05% of the seats, reflecting persistent gender imbalance in Parliament.
  • Underrepresentation in  State Assemblies: Women comprise an average of  around  9% of MLAs across State Legislative Assemblies.

Reasons for Lower Women Representation in Indian Polity

  • Pervasive Patriarchy: Deep-rooted societal norms discourage women from taking leadership roles, confining them to domestic spheres.
    Eg. The phenomenon of “Sarpanch Pati,” where male relatives control elected women, is rampant in rural India.
  • The “Winnability” Myth: Political parties are often reluctant to field women candidates, incorrectly perceiving them as less electable.
    Eg. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections,women made up only 9.6% of the candidates but secured 13.6% of the seats, reflecting a notably higher success rate than their male counterparts.
  • Lack of Financial Resources: Women often lack the independent financial capacity required to fund India’s notoriously expensive election campaigns.
  • Hostile Political Environment: Women in politics frequently face character assassination, harassment, and gendered abuse, which deters participation.
    Eg. Prominent leaders like Smriti Irani and Priyanka Chaturvedi have been targets of severe, misogynistic online trolling.
  • Weak Internal Party Democracy: Parties lack institutionalized mechanisms for women’s inclusion, creating a glass ceiling that prevents their rise.
    Eg. In Gujarat, Congress appointed only one woman and BJP two among 40 new district presidents, showing limited opportunities.
  • Low State-Level Representation: Critically low representation in State Assemblies creates a weak pipeline for national politics, limiting the pool of experienced leaders.
    Eg. States like Jammu & Kashmir and Arunanchal Pradesh have only 5% women legislators with no state exceeding 20% female legislators.
  • Delayed Implementation of Law: The reservation is not yet in effect, as it depends on the next census and delimitation exercise.

Steps Political Parties Should Take to Nurture Women Leaders

  • Implement Internal Party Quotas: Parties must voluntarily adopt internal quotas for ticket distribution, mirroring practices in other successful democracies.
    Eg. Australia’s Labour Party constitutionally mandates equitable women’s participation.
  • Provide Dedicated Financial Support: Establish dedicated party funds to financially support the campaign expenses of promising women candidates.
    Eg. Parties could create a fund similar to Canada’s Judy LaMarsh Fund, which provides early funding for Liberal Party women candidates.
  • Build a Grassroots Leadership Pipeline: Identify and train promising women leaders from Panchayat and municipal levels for higher office.
    Eg.  The 73rd and 74th Amendments created thousands of grassroots women leaders who can be elevated nationally..
  • Integrate Women into Core Structures: Women must be integrated into core party decision-making bodies, not just confined to the “Mahila Morcha” (women’s wing).
    Eg. Recently , IUML in Kerala appointed two women to its national leadership for the first time in 75 years.
  • Launch Structured Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced leaders with aspiring women politicians for guidance on policy, governance, and electoral strategy.
  • Create a Safe Political Environment: Adopt and enforce a strict internal code of conduct with zero-tolerance for misogyny and harassment within the party.
  • Promote Women in Policy-Making Roles: Appoint more women as party spokespersons, committee heads, and policy drafters to build their public profiles.
    Eg. Leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman and Atishi gained visibility through key policymaking and public roles..

Conclusion

Enhancing women’s political representation is essential to a stronger and more inclusive democracy. With the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam on the horizon, political parties must act now through quotas, mentorship, and structural reforms to ensure a generation of capable women leaders takes center stage by 2029 and beyond.

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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