Women's Reservation Bill Becomes Law: 33% Quota for Women in Parliament and State Assemblies

NEW DELHI: The historic 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhniyam,' which mandates 33 percent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, has officially become law after receiving President Droupadi Murmu's assent. The bill, unanimously passed by the Rajya Sabha, marks a significant milestone in India's legislative history and was the first bill to clear the new Parliament building.

The Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to ensure greater representation and empowerment of women in Indian politics, witnessed its passage on September 20. The motion seeking its passage garnered an overwhelming 454 votes in favor and only two against, following a division.

During the legislative process, opposition members' proposed amendments were rejected, and individual clauses of the draft legislation were put to a vote.

The following day, on September 21, the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhniyam' received 'unanimous' approval in the Rajya Sabha, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday according to the Hindu calendar.

Following the historic passage of the bill, women members from both Houses of Parliament, including prominent figures like PT Usha, as well as Union Ministers Meenakashi Lekhi and Smriti Irani, presented a bouquet to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It's worth noting that the Rajya Sabha had previously passed the Women's Reservation Bill in 2010 during the Congress-led UPA government. However, it wasn't taken up in the Lok Sabha and subsequently lapsed in the lower House of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the legislative success, emphasizing its significance. He said, "A defining moment in our nation's democratic journey! Congratulations to 140 crore Indians. I thank all the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such unanimous support is indeed gladdening."

PM Modi went on to emphasize that this legislative milestone symbolizes a stronger voice and empowerment for the women of India, acknowledging the contributions and resilience of countless women to the nation's progress.

Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi commended PM Modi for this transformative legislation, recognizing its historic role in empowering women.

While the bill received broad support from opposition leaders, some raised concerns about the omission of an OBC sub-quota in the legislation.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha, a prominent advocate for fairer representation of women in law-making bodies, praised the bill's passage as a significant step toward enhancing women's political participation. However, she highlighted the absence of a sub-quota for OBC women as a notable omission. Kavitha stressed the importance of including such a provision to ensure equitable representation for women from backward classes in the country's legislative processes.

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