In a historic moment for India’s legislative history, the special session of Parliament convened in its new building has made significant strides, drawing considerable attention to the contentious Women’s Reservation Bill. Titled the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” this landmark legislation received near-unanimous approval in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Here are the key highlights and developments:
The Women’s Reservation Bill, officially the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, has cleared the Lok Sabha and is now poised for consideration in the Rajya Sabha during the remaining session. Passage in the Rajya Sabha might also necessitate approval from at least half of the state assemblies.
BJD’s Support & Prime Minister’s Appreciation
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which is known for its alignment with the BJP at the Centre, has issued a three-line Whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs, urging their presence in the House and support for the passage of the Bill. Following the Bill’s approval in the lower House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thank MPs across Party lines who voted in support of this Bill.”
Despite opposition concerns about implementation and calls for extending similar benefits to other backward classes (OBC), the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam garnered an overwhelming majority of votes in the Lok Sabha. It received 454 votes in favor, with only two votes against the Bill.
Debate & Reservation Highlights
The day-long debate on the Bill witnessed a tussle for credit between the Congress and BJP regarding its introduction. Additionally, discussions revolved around its implementation and the inclusion of a separate quota for OBC women. The Bill proposes one-third (33%) reservation for women representatives in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This reservation will remain in effect for 15 years from its implementation, with provisions for extension if deemed necessary by Parliament.
The 128th Constitution Amendment Bill stipulates that political reservation for women will come into effect only after the publication of relevant census figures and the completion of delimitation exercises, which include seat revision in Parliament and constituency boundary redrawing. As per this provision, the reservation may not be implemented until 2029, provided the Bill clears the Rajya Sabha during this session.
Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks and Amit Shah’s Appeal
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed skepticism about the need for new census figures and delimitation, suggesting that the Bill could be implemented immediately. He raised questions about whether this was a deliberate attempt to delay the process by several years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for unity beyond party lines to grant women the respect they deserve. He emphasized that women have been left disappointed by Parliament four times previously and urged unanimous passage of the Bill.
In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a historic legislation that would further empower women and enhance their participation in the political process.
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