Modi Government Introduces New Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha to Boost Female Representation
PM Modi Propels Women's Reservation Bill to Ensure 33% Quota for Women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies
19-09-2023 : The Narendra Modi-led government has taken a momentous step by introducing a fresh iteration of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, marking a significant development in India’s ongoing efforts to bolster female representation in the political arena. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented this pivotal bill during the inaugural session of the Lok Sabha, which convened in the newly erected Parliament building.
Under the proposed legislation, known as the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” it is anticipated that the number of parliamentary seats reserved for women in the Lok Sabha will witness an increase, ultimately reaching a total of 181 seats. This optimistic vision reflects a commitment to achieving gender parity and fostering women’s active participation in the highest legislative body of India. Discussion and deliberation on the Women’s Reservation Bill within the Lok Sabha are scheduled for September 20, with its consideration in the Rajya Sabha planned for September 21, as confirmed by government sources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Lok Sabha within the auspicious confines of the newly inaugurated Parliament building, underscored the transformative potential of the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.” He articulated its overarching objective, which is to facilitate a significant increase in the number of female members in both the Parliament and state legislative assemblies. PM Modi recalled the extensive history of discussions surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill, noting its previous introduction during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure. However, he acknowledged that the bill had failed to secure the requisite majority for passage, leaving the dream of gender parity unfulfilled. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to champion this pivotal initiative, remarking, “Today, God has given me the opportunity to take this forward…Our government is introducing a new Bill today to enhance women’s participation in both Houses…”
The Women’s Reservation Bill, in its current form, seeks to guarantee a 33 percent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal formally introduced this transformative legislation as the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill, marking it as the foremost legislative priority during the inaugural session of the Lok Sabha within the newly inaugurated Parliament building.
This significant legislative endeavor underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and elevating their representation within the political sphere. The commencement of a five-day special session of Parliament on Monday signifies a pivotal moment in India’s parliamentary history, as it takes bold strides toward a more inclusive and equitable democracy.
Key changes in the Bill
- 181 seats in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now.
- 33% of 84 seats for Scheduled Castes in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now.
- 33% of 47 seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Lok Sabha will be reserved for women now.
- 33% seats in Rajya Sabha will be reserved for women now
- 33% constituencies in all state assemblies will be reserved for women now
- Rotation of seats reserved for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies to take place after each delimitation exercise.
