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Women’s Reservation Bill Passed in Lok Sabha And Rajya Sabha

Madhavi Gaur September 21, 2023 11:22 6583 0

Women's Reservation Bill: The Women's Reservation Bill was put to vote in the Lok Sabha, and passed with a resounding majority with 454 votes in favor.

Women’s Reservation Bill Passed in Lok Sabha And Rajya Sabha

Women’s Reservation Bill

The Women’s Reservation Bill, often referred to as the Women’s Reservation Bill, is a proposed piece of legislation in India aimed at increasing the representation of women in the Indian Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. The bill seeks to reserve a certain percentage of seats in these legislative bodies exclusively for women.

The proposed legislation, known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill of 2008, aims to set aside a third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. The distribution of these reserved seats will be decided by the authority designated by Parliament. Additionally, one-third of the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies will be specifically allocated to women from these groups. These reserved seats may be rotated among various constituencies within the state or union territory.

Also Read: Women’s Reservation Bill

Women’s Reservation Bill Key Points:

  1. Reservation Percentage: The bill proposes to reserve 33% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies for women.
  2. Rotation System: The bill includes a rotation system to ensure that the reserved seats are distributed fairly among different constituencies over time. In other words, in each election cycle, different constituencies would have seats reserved for women.
  3. Supporters: The Women’s Reservation Bill has received widespread support from various political parties, women’s rights activists, and women’s organizations. It is seen as a means to address the gender disparity in Indian politics and to empower women in decision-making roles.
  4. Challenges and Opposition: Despite its merits, the bill has faced opposition and challenges from certain quarters. Some opponents argue that it may lead to tokenism, where women are elected to fulfill quotas but do not have substantial influence. There have also been concerns about the political implications and complexities of implementing such a reservation system.

The bill’s objective is to promote gender equality in the political sphere and empower women to actively participate in the democratic process. However, its passage into law has been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion in India’s political landscape.

Women’s Reservation Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha, approved the women’s reservation bill unanimously following an extensive 11-hour deliberation. The Women’s Reservation Bill passed in Rajya Sabha with 215 votes. The Lok Sabha had previously passed this bill. Consequently, the law mandating a 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be enacted, pending the completion of the census and delimitation process, a point of contention raised by the Opposition. Remarkably, only two MPs from the AIMIM opposed the bill in the Lok Sabha, and there were no abstentions in the Rajya Sabha when the vote for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill took place.

This marks the inaugural bill to be approved in the new Parliament building. Following its clearance in the Upper House, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar extended his congratulations to the members, hailing it as a historic achievement. “Historic achievement, congratulations. It is also noteworthy that today is PM Modi’s birthday by the Hindu calendar,” Dhankhar remarked after the bill’s passage.

What lies ahead for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill?

Having been passed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the bill will now proceed to the President for approval. Once granted, the official enactment of the 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will follow.

Women’s Reservation Bill Passed in Lok Sabha

Women’s Reservation Bill: For twenty-seven years, the Women’s Reservation Bill has been a topic of discussion in the Indian Parliament. However, a significant development occurred on September 20 when the Lok Sabha took a momentous step towards gender equality in politics. The Women’s Reservation Bill was put to vote in the Lok Sabha, and passed with a resounding majority with 454 votes in favor.

On Wednesday, September 20, the Lok Sabha passed a significant bill that advocates reserving one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and the Delhi legislative assembly. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill 2023, presented by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on the second day of the special parliamentary session, secured passage with a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting in the Lok Sabha.

Women’s Reservation Bill Passage of the Bill 

With an almost unanimous show of support, the Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Eighth) Bill 2023, aiming to amend the Constitution. The Bill seeks to provide one-third reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Women’s Reservation Bill Rajya Sabha and State Approvals

The Bill now proceeds to the Rajya Sabha, where its fate will be determined during the remaining two days of the Special Session of Parliament. Additionally, it may require approval from at least half of the Indian States.

Women’s Reservation Bill Prime Minister’s Praise A “Historic Legislation”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the Lok Sabha members’ efforts in passing what he called a “historic legislation.” The bill’s near-unanimous support was a significant achievement.

Only two members, namely Asaduddin Owaisi and Syed Imtiyaz Jaleel of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen, opposed the Bill, highlighting the contentious nature of the debate.

During the voting process, which lasted nearly two hours, members manually cast their votes using paper slips, a method chosen for this critical decision.

Women’s Reservation Bill Battle for Credit and OBC Quota

The eight-hour-long debate witnessed robust exchanges between Treasury and Opposition members, particularly those from the Congress. One key point of contention was the question of who should receive credit for this landmark Bill. Additionally, discussions revolved around the possibility of a separate quota for women from other backward classes (OBCs).

Women’s Reservation Bill Congress’s Shift 

In a notable shift from its 2010 stance, the Congress demanded a separate quota within the quota for OBCs after conducting a caste census. Sonia Gandhi, the Congress leader who initiated the debate, emphasized the need for immediate Bill implementation without linking it to a frozen delimitation exercise.

Women’s Reservation Bill BJP’s OBC Credentials 

Home Minister Amit Shah countered the demand for a separate OBC quota, highlighting the BJP’s significant representation of OBC lawmakers, including a Prime Minister from the same community, Narendra Modi.

Women’s Reservation Bill The Delimitation Factor 

Mr. Shah explained that the decision to implement reservation after delimitation was to ensure that the Delimitation Commission, a quasi-judicial body, could decide, following public consultation, which seats should be reserved. He raised concerns about the potential consequences of “political reservation.”

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal expressed concerns about immediate reservation, stating that it might contradict the Constitution’s provisions and could be legally challenged. The government’s commitment to avoiding technical obstacles was highlighted.

Women’s Reservation Bill Participation and Voting 

The Lok Sabha debate involved the participation of 60 members, with 27 of them being women MPs. However, the voting process was protracted because electronic voting was not feasible due to some political parties not yet providing specific seat allotments to individual members.

Why women reservation bill has not been passed in the Parliament?

The Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies for women, has faced numerous challenges and hurdles that have prevented its passage in the Lok Sabha. Here are some of the key reasons why the bill has not been passed:

  1. Political Opposition: The bill has encountered opposition from various political parties. Some parties have expressed concerns about its potential impact on their electoral prospects, as the bill would require parties to field more women candidates in elections. Political considerations often play a significant role in the fate of such legislation.
  2. Lack of Consensus: The bill has been a subject of debate and discussion for several years, but there has been a lack of consensus among political parties on its provisions. Different parties have proposed various amendments and alterations to the bill, making it challenging to reach a consensus that satisfies all stakeholders.
  3. Reservation Within Reservation: There have been discussions about whether the bill should include provisions for sub-reservations within the 33% reserved seats for women, particularly for women from marginalized and backward communities (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes). These debates over the distribution of reserved seats have contributed to the bill’s delay.
  4. Concerns About Tokenism: Some critics argue that the bill may lead to tokenism, where women are elected to fulfill quotas but do not have substantial influence or decision-making power. This concern has been raised by those who believe that increasing women’s representation should go beyond mere numerical quotas.
  5. Changing Political Landscape: The composition of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies changes with each election. Political parties often prioritize issues differently in various election cycles, and the Women’s Reservation Bill may not always be at the forefront of their agendas.
  6. Complexities in Implementation: Implementing the bill, including determining the rotational system for reserved seats and addressing logistical challenges, can be complex and require careful planning.
  7. Public Opinion: Public opinion on the bill varies, and some sections of society may not fully support it. Balancing diverse perspectives and addressing concerns is essential for any legislation’s successful passage.
  8. Legislative Process: The Indian legislative process involves multiple stages, including committee reviews and discussions, which can lead to further delays and opportunities for opposition.

What India Will Look Like After 2026 Delimitation

Upon the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, a significant transformation in India’s electoral landscape is anticipated. The forthcoming census and delimitation process, preceding the reservation’s enactment, is poised to expand the Lok Sabha’s seat count from 543 to an impressive 753. The most substantial increase is expected in Uttar Pradesh, already a major contributor of Members of Parliament (MPs) to Parliament. Meanwhile, the southern states may experience only marginal growth, potentially diminishing their representation and electoral influence.

  • By 2026, India’s estimated population is projected to reach 1.42 billion, and this demographic data will play a pivotal role in the delimitation process, which adjusts constituency boundaries based on population.
  • Based on these projections, Karnataka’s Lok Sabha seats are predicted to rise from 28 to 36 by 2026—an increase of eight seats. Telangana is expected to go from 17 to 20 seats, Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 28, and Tamil Nadu from 39 to 41.
  • However, Kerala, with its effective population control measures, will be an exception, witnessing a reduction in its Lok Sabha seats from 20 to 19.
  • In contrast, Uttar Pradesh’s seat count will surge from 80 to 128. Other northern states are also expected to witness a significant boost in representation.
  • States like Bihar, characterized by rapid population growth, will see an increase to 70 seats from the current 40. Madhya Pradesh, currently with 29 Lok Sabha seats, is projected to have 47 after delimitation. Maharashtra is estimated to gain 20 seats, elevating its count from 48 to 68. Rajasthan’s seats will rise to 44 from the current 25.
  • This substantial numerical imbalance between northern and southern regions of the country is likely to draw criticism from the Opposition.
  • Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that the census and delimitation would follow next year’s general election. Sources indicate that the government intends to address the north-south disparity in terms of representation.
  • Remarkably, the number of Lok Sabha seats has remained unchanged since 1977.
  • Historically, the Delimitation Commission has been established four times: in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. Delimitation did not occur following the 1981 and 1991 censuses. While it took place after the 2001 census, the number of seats remained unchanged.
  • Once the quota is implemented, the Lok Sabha’s female representation will rise significantly, increasing from the current 82 to 181. Additionally, 33 percent of seats will be reserved for women in state assemblies.

Women’s Reservation Bill UPSC

The Women’s Reservation Bill is a significant and often debated topic in the context of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and its Civil Services Examination (CSE). Here’s how the Women’s Reservation Bill is relevant to UPSC aspirants:

1. Potential Essay or General Studies Paper Topic: The Women’s Reservation Bill can be a relevant topic for the essay paper (Paper-I) of the UPSC Mains examination. Aspirants may be asked to write essays on topics related to gender equality, empowerment of women, and social issues. Analyzing the implications and challenges associated with the Women’s Reservation Bill can be a valuable perspective in such essays.

2. Gender Equality and Social Justice: The Women’s Reservation Bill relates to the broader themes of gender equality and social justice, which are integral to the UPSC syllabus. Aspirants preparing for the General Studies papers (especially GS Paper-II, which covers topics related to governance, constitution, and social justice) should be familiar with the bill and its significance in addressing gender disparities in political representation.

3. Current Affairs and Policy Analysis: UPSC aspirants are expected to stay updated with current affairs and analyze various government policies and bills. The Women’s Reservation Bill, if it becomes a law, would have significant implications for India’s political landscape. Aspirants may need to analyze the bill’s provisions, potential impact, and challenges in the context of policy and governance.

4. Gender and Development Studies: UPSC candidates opting for optional subjects like Sociology, Political Science, or Gender Studies may find the Women’s Reservation Bill highly relevant. It can be discussed in the context of gender studies, political participation, and the impact of such policies on society.

5. Women’s Empowerment and Grassroots Governance: Understanding the Women’s Reservation Bill is crucial for candidates interested in the role of women in grassroots governance and panchayati raj institutions. Questions related to women’s empowerment and their participation in local governance can be influenced by the discussions around this bill.

6. Ethical and Moral Issues: In the Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude paper (GS Paper-IV), candidates may encounter case studies or questions related to gender-based ethical dilemmas. Familiarity with the Women’s Reservation Bill and its ethical implications can be valuable in answering such questions.

The UPSC aspirants should be aware of its provisions, debates, and potential impact, as it can be relevant across various stages of the examination, from the preliminary to the mains and the interview.

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Women's Reservation Bill FAQs

The Women's Reservation Bill, also known as the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill dated March 9, 2010, is a legislative proposal approved in the Indian Parliament. Its purpose is to amend the Constitution of India to allocate one-third of the total seats in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha, as well as in all state legislative assemblies, for women.

The long-pending proposal for the women's reservation bill received approval during a crucial Union Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This proposed bill, pending for nearly 27 years, aims to allocate one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women.

The proposal to allocate 33% of parliamentary seats for women must be examined within this broader framework. The concept of reservations, from Panchayats (local self-governing bodies) to Parliament, was initially introduced in the National Perspective Plan on Women.

Since September 1996, nearly every government has made attempts to promote the bill that seeks to allocate 33 percent of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies to women. However, these efforts have consistently fallen short of success due to a combination of insufficient political determination and a lack of consensus.

The Union Cabinet convened, and it is reported to have endorsed a bill for granting 33 percent reservation to women in both the Lok Sabha and State/Union Territory assemblies. It's important to note that there hasn't been any official confirmation regarding this development. In the meantime, the principal opposition party, the Congress, has expressed its approval of this initiative.
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