The Government has introduced a bill to provide 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, addressing a long-standing demand. The proposed bill suggests 15 years for this reservation and includes a quota for SCs and STs within the reserved seats for women. The bill, known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, requires ratification by at least 50 percent of the states, as it affects their rights under Article 368 of the Constitution.
The Women’s Reservation Bill has been lingering for 27 years. The bill has faced various challenges and controversies over the years, and its passage has been stalled multiple times due to political opposition and debates about its implementation. The meagre 15 percent representation of women in Parliament and below 10 percent in State Assemblies underscores the reluctance of political parties to proactively promote women candidates. The Women’s Reservation Bill carries several compelling advantages. First and foremost, it is designed to significantly enhance women’s representation in the political sphere. By reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, the bill aims to rectify the glaring gender imbalance in Indian politics. This can foster gender equality in a domain traditionally dominated by men, allowing women to actively participate in shaping policies and decisions that affect the nation. Moreover, it can serve as a vital instrument for empowering women, resulting in policies that better address issues like healthcare, education, employment, and violence against women. With more female politicians as visible role models, it can inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in politics, ultimately promoting diverse perspectives and experiences in governance.
Despite its merits, the Women’s Reservation Bill also faces legitimate concerns. Critics argue that the reservation of seats for women may not guarantee the election of qualified or competent candidates, potentially prioritising gender over merit. Additionally, some detractors contend that the bill does not sufficiently consider the diversity among women, such as differences in caste, religion, and socioeconomic status. This could inadvertently marginalise other marginalised groups. The bill’s proposed rotation of reserved seats, preventing them from being reserved again for several election cycles, has drawn criticism for potentially limiting the long-term impact of women’s representation. Moreover, strong political opposition persists, with some fearing that the bill may disrupt existing power dynamics and reduce the electoral chances of male candidates. Effective implementation poses significant challenges, including ensuring that political parties field qualified female candidates and preventing elected women from being perceived as proxies for male family members.
The reservation of 33 percent of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions on a rotational basis, while well-intentioned, has faced criticism for often benefiting the wives or relatives of leading politicians rather than the marginalised sections it was designed to empower. This situation highlights a stark discrepancy between the intended purpose of reservations and their real-world impact. Despite women constituting nearly 50 percent or more of the electorate, they remain significantly underrepresented. The Women’s Reservation Bill has languished for three decades, with various obstacles impeding its progress. Currently, the NDA holds the necessary numbers in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and even major opposition parties like the Congress support the bill. However, the crucial support of opposition-ruled states is required for the bill to become law, given that most State Assemblies must also approve it. Additionally, the clauses related to the census and delimitation in the proposed bill may complicate its implementation by the 2024 elections. The NDA has already shown its resolve by having the highest number of women ministers in the Cabinet. This moment presents an opportune time to finally provide women with their deserved representation, putting an end to decades of waiting. Prime Minister Modi has already signalled that this session will be extraordinary, with historic decisions expected to be made. In light of these complexities and nuances, the upcoming debate in the House promises to be intriguing.
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