20-09-2023 : In a momentous decision, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, made history by passing a crucial bill aimed at ensuring gender equality in political representation. The bill, known as the “Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” proposes a significant leap towards achieving a more inclusive political landscape by reserving 33 percent of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This groundbreaking move has been welcomed as a remarkable step towards addressing gender disparity in Indian politics.
During the parliamentary session, an overwhelming majority of 454 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of the bill, highlighting the widespread support for this transformative legislation. However, it is worth noting that two members voted against it. The resounding approval of the bill underscores the collective determination to empower women in the political arena and promote their active participation in shaping the nation’s future.
The Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam not only seeks to reserve one-third of the total seats in these legislative bodies for women but also introduces another progressive element. It mandates that one-third of the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should be allocated to women from these marginalized groups. This dual reservation strategy aims to address multiple dimensions of underrepresentation and uplift women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Moreover, the bill includes a provision that sets a timeline for the continuation of this reservation policy. Specifically, the reservation of seats for women is designed to be in effect for 15 years after the commencement of the Amendment Act. This temporal aspect reflects a strategic approach to gradually integrate and normalize gender equity in Indian politics.
The next crucial step for the bill is its introduction in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, where it will undergo further deliberation and scrutiny. The positive reception it received in the Lok Sabha is a promising sign for its prospects in the Rajya Sabha, where it will be evaluated in terms of its potential impact and alignment with constitutional principles.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to MPs from across the political spectrum who supported the bill. He emphasized that this historic legislation, once enacted, will enhance women’s empowerment and encourage their greater involvement in the political process. The Prime Minister’s endorsement underscores the national commitment to promoting gender equality and recognizing the invaluable contribution of women in shaping the nation’s destiny.
During the debate on the bill in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed concerns about potential delays in its implementation. He assured that the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment is unwavering and pledged that the necessary steps, including conducting a census and a delimitation exercise, would be initiated promptly after elections to expedite the realization of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal defended the provision for implementing the bill after census and delimitation, asserting that it aligns with constitutional norms. This approach ensures that the reservation process is executed systematically and in compliance with the foundational principles of India’s governance.
However, the bill also faced criticism, particularly from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who deemed it “incomplete” due to its absence of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Despite this critique, Gandhi expressed his support for the bill, which he claimed was tabled prematurely, given the need for census and delimitation before its full implementation.
The passage of the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam in the Lok Sabha marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward gender equality in politics. This legislation, if ratified by the Rajya Sabha, has the potential to reshape the landscape of Indian politics, empower women from all walks of life, and advance the principles of inclusivity and representation in the highest echelons of governance. The bill represents a significant stride forward in the ongoing struggle for gender parity and is a testament to India’s commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive society.