In a momentous event on Wednesday evening, the Lok Sabha resoundingly approved the Women’s Reservation Bill with an impressive 454 votes. This remarkable development marks a significant stride towards gender equality in India’s political landscape. The bill, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, is set to provide 33% of parliamentary seats to women, both in the Lower House of Parliament and state legislative assemblies. However, it is essential to note that the implementation of this groundbreaking law may still encounter several more years of deliberation, as underscored by vehement opposition from some political leaders.
Following the historic vote, Speaker Om Birla declared, “The proposal has been passed with a resounding majority, securing more than two-thirds of the members present in the house.”
A staggering 454 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the bill, with only two MPs casting dissenting votes. While this is a remarkable achievement, the bill must now traverse the parliamentary process by gaining approval in the upper house and winning the support of at least half of India’s state assemblies before becoming enshrined as law.
It is worth noting that this monumental bill has faced six thwarted attempts since its initial introduction in 1996, often encountering fierce resistance from lawmakers. Presently, India only boasts 104 women MPs out of nearly 800, according to official figures.
The full realization of this quota system hinges on the completion of the 2021 census, which has been indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics from the opposition have voiced concerns that the bill might be an electoral ploy aimed at grabbing headlines today rather than ensuring swift implementation.
Additionally, some lawmakers have raised valid points about the absence of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and the Muslim community. Home Minister Amit Shah addressed these concerns during the Lok Sabha session, stating, “While some people on social media argue against supporting this bill due to the absence of OBC and Muslim reservations, it is essential to consider whether opposing this bill will expedite such reservations. Supporting this bill could be a step toward guaranteeing them.”
As of now, there is no set timeframe for the census and delimitation exercises, which are prerequisites for the commencement of women’s reservation. Minister Shah assured the Lok Sabha that these exercises would be conducted shortly after elections, paving the way for greater female representation in Parliament.
The Lok Sabha’s resounding approval of the Women’s Reservation Bill represents a historic leap forward in the pursuit of gender equality in India’s political sphere. While challenges and debates lie ahead, this momentous step signifies a promising future where women’s voices will be heard and valued in the highest echelons of government.