In a historic move, the Indian Parliament has passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, making it law after President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent to the women’s reservation bill. This landmark legislation paves the way for the reservation of 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and state assemblies for women. However, the implementation of this reservation will be contingent on a new census and delimitation process.
The momentous occasion occurred during a special session of Parliament, coinciding with the inauguration of the new Parliament building on September 19, underscoring India’s commitment to empowering women in politics.
AIMIM’s Lone Opposition: The passage of the bill was not without opposition, as the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) voiced its dissent. AIMIM argued that the legislation primarily benefits Savarna (upper-caste) women and does not provide any reservation for Muslim women representatives. Meanwhile, the Congress party raised concerns about the delay in implementation and sought reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Implementation Hurdles and Timeline: The women’s reservation bill specifies that its provisions related to seat reservations for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi will only come into effect following a delimitation exercise. This delimitation process will be conducted after the release of data from the first census conducted after the commencement of the Constitution Act in 2023.
Moreover, these reservations will cease to be in effect after a span of fifteen years from the commencement date of the Constitution Act.
Inclusive Legislation: The enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a significant step towards gender parity in Indian politics, aiming to provide women with greater representation and a voice in legislative matters. It reflects the nation’s commitment to achieving greater inclusivity in its democratic processes.
As India looks forward to the new era of its Parliament and political landscape, the women’s reservation bill serves as a testament to the nation’s dedication to fostering equal opportunities and empowerment for all its citizens.
News Summary:
- The Indian Parliament passes the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, enacting a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- President Droupadi Murmu grants her assent to the historic women’s reservation bill.
- Implementation of the reservation hinges on a new census and delimitation process.
- AIMIM raises concerns about the bill favoring Savarna women, while Congress seeks OBC reservations.
- The legislation will take effect after the first census following the Constitution Act of 2023 and remains in force for fifteen years.
