The Women’s Reservation Bill, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality in Indian politics. This bill seeks to reserve a substantial 33 percent quota in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, addressing the underrepresentation of women in these crucial legislative bodies.
Key Highlights of the Women’s Reservation Bill
- 33% Quota: The bill proposes to reserve one-third (33 percent) of the seats in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies exclusively for women candidates. This move aims to provide women with a stronger voice in shaping the nation’s policies and laws.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Inclusion: Notably, the bill extends its inclusivity to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, reserving a portion of these seats for women from these marginalized groups. These reserved seats may be rotated among different constituencies within the state or union territory.
- Historical Context: The push for the Women’s Reservation Bill is not new; it has a history dating back to 2010 when the Rajya Sabha passed the bill. However, it faced opposition in the Lok Sabha, resulting in its lapse. The recent approval signifies a renewed commitment to this crucial legislation.
- Current Representation: Presently, women’s representation in the Lok Sabha is less than 15 percent of the total strength of 543 members. A similar situation exists in the Rajya Sabha, where women account for approximately 14 percent of the members.
- State Assembly Disparities: Several state assemblies exhibit stark gender disparities, with less than 10 percent women representation in states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, and others. A few states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, have slightly higher representation, ranging from 10 to 12 percent.
- Leaders in Gender Inclusivity: Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand stand out as leaders in gender inclusivity, boasting over 12 percent women MLAs in their state assemblies.
The Women’s Reservation Bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring that women have a more substantial role in shaping India’s political landscape, breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in legislative decision-making.
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