29th September 2023,Mumbai: A Long-Awaited Change
In a significant milestone for gender equality in India, the Women’s Reservation Bill recently received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, paving the way for its transformation into law. Under the official title of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, this bill has now become an Act, promising to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. However, the actual implementation of this reservation will await the completion of the new census and delimitation process.
Parliament’s Historic Moment
The passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha during a special parliamentary session marked a historic achievement for the Indian Parliament. This monumental decision coincided with the inauguration of the new Parliament building on September 19th, adding further significance to the occasion.
Controversy and Opposition
While the majority of political parties supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, there were notable exceptions. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) strongly opposed the bill, arguing that it primarily benefits Savarna women and does not provide any reservation for Muslim women representatives. This opposition raised important questions about the inclusivity and representation of various minority groups.
Demands for OBC Reservation
The Indian National Congress, too, expressed concerns regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill. They argued for the inclusion of reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and raised questions about the lengthy timeline for implementation even after parliamentary approval and presidential assent. These concerns highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to reservation policies.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Women’s Reservation Bill, now an Act, introduces a transformative change in the political landscape of India. By reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, it aims to empower and amplify the voices of women in decision-making processes. This move is expected to bring about substantial progress in addressing gender disparities in politics and governance.
Challenges in Implementation
The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act faces several challenges. One of the key hurdles is the requirement for a new census and delimitation before the reservation can take effect. This process, as outlined in the Act, involves waiting for the relevant figures from the first census conducted after the commencement of the Constitution Act in 2023. Only after this lengthy process will the reservation for women become operational.
The Temporary Nature of Reservation
It’s essential to note that the Women’s Reservation Act specifies that the reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is temporary. This provision states that it shall come into effect after the completion of the delimitation exercise following the first census conducted after 2023. Furthermore, the Act stipulates that this reservation will cease to have effect after a period of fifteen years from its commencement.
The Road Ahead
The Women’s Reservation Act is undoubtedly a significant step forward in addressing gender inequality in Indian politics. It reflects a commitment to women’s empowerment and political participation. However, the Act’s temporary nature and the delay in implementation due to the census and delimitation process raise important questions about its long-term impact.
A Step Towards Gender Equality
The Women’s Reservation Bill becoming an Act represents a historic achievement for India, signaling the country’s dedication to increasing women’s representation in politics. While opposition and concerns remain, the Act has the potential to reshape the political landscape, making it more inclusive and diverse. As India moves forward, it will be crucial to address the challenges and ensure that the promise of gender equality in politics is fulfilled, not just in the short term but as a sustained effort towards a more equitable future.
-by Kashvi Gala