Women Reservation Bill: After 27 Years, Modi Govt Approves Women's Quota Bill
In a significant step towards promoting women's empowerment, the PM Modi-led government plans to present a constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. This bill aims to allocate one-third of the seats in both the Parliament and state legislatures throughout the nation for women.
This decision, championed by the PM and endorsed during a Union Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, is geared towards ensuring the successful passage of the bill during the special session in both Houses of Parliament. This marks the commencement of a lengthy procedure, requiring substantial backing in both Houses amounting to two-thirds support, as well as ratification by half of the state assemblies. Additionally, the bill will include a provision for a sub-quota for SC/STs , proportionate to their current representation.
While the government has not officially confirmed this decision, insiders suggest that the anticipated reservation may be implemented by 2029. This timeline is contingent upon the redrawing of constituencies as part of the delimitation process, which is expected to commence following the decennial census in 2026.
The bill was initially introduced in 1996 and had even received approval from the Rajya Sabha in March 2010. However, it lapsed when the Lok Sabha did not pass it at that time.
Government insiders expressed confidence in the bill's prospects within Parliament this time, as well as in securing the essential backing from states. They emphasised the importance of the Congress party's cooperation and highlighted the support from states aligned with the BJP, its coalition partners, and even parties outside the NDA that have previously endorsed the measure.
The PM himself seemed unwavering in his conviction when he proclaimed that the upcoming special session would be "historic." During his "farewell speech" in the old Parliament, he provided a clear indication of the ongoing efforts by mentioning "inclusiveness" as a defining characteristic of Indian parliamentary democracy. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of women lawmakers, including two Speakers.
The moment news about the decision emerged, the Congress declared its backing for the bill. The bill is scheduled for discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, and the government aims to achieve its approval in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, which marks the concluding day of the special session.
The decision represents the realisation of a long-standing demand from women's organisations and political parties for substantial affirmative action to bolster women's representation in legislative bodies. The desire of political parties to implement a quota system was hindered by politicians who were apprehensive about relinquishing their seats to women once the quota was enacted.
Some individuals claiming to represent OBCs and Muslims threw a wrench in the works by contending that the "women's quota" might predominantly benefit upper-caste women.
This decision, championed by the PM and endorsed during a Union Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, is geared towards ensuring the successful passage of the bill during the special session in both Houses of Parliament. This marks the commencement of a lengthy procedure, requiring substantial backing in both Houses amounting to two-thirds support, as well as ratification by half of the state assemblies. Additionally, the bill will include a provision for a sub-quota for SC/STs , proportionate to their current representation.
While the government has not officially confirmed this decision, insiders suggest that the anticipated reservation may be implemented by 2029. This timeline is contingent upon the redrawing of constituencies as part of the delimitation process, which is expected to commence following the decennial census in 2026.
The bill was initially introduced in 1996 and had even received approval from the Rajya Sabha in March 2010. However, it lapsed when the Lok Sabha did not pass it at that time.
Government insiders expressed confidence in the bill's prospects within Parliament this time, as well as in securing the essential backing from states. They emphasised the importance of the Congress party's cooperation and highlighted the support from states aligned with the BJP, its coalition partners, and even parties outside the NDA that have previously endorsed the measure.
The PM himself seemed unwavering in his conviction when he proclaimed that the upcoming special session would be "historic." During his "farewell speech" in the old Parliament, he provided a clear indication of the ongoing efforts by mentioning "inclusiveness" as a defining characteristic of Indian parliamentary democracy. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of women lawmakers, including two Speakers.
The moment news about the decision emerged, the Congress declared its backing for the bill. The bill is scheduled for discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, and the government aims to achieve its approval in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, which marks the concluding day of the special session.
The decision represents the realisation of a long-standing demand from women's organisations and political parties for substantial affirmative action to bolster women's representation in legislative bodies. The desire of political parties to implement a quota system was hindered by politicians who were apprehensive about relinquishing their seats to women once the quota was enacted.
Some individuals claiming to represent OBCs and Muslims threw a wrench in the works by contending that the "women's quota" might predominantly benefit upper-caste women.
Next Story