India’s cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a bill on Tuesday that would reserve one-third of the seats in the lower house of parliament and state assemblies for women, a historic decision that could transform the country’s politics and society.
The bill, which was first introduced in 1996, aims to address the low representation of women in politics. Women make up almost half of India’s voters but only 15% of parliament and 10% of state legislatures. The bill needs to be passed by both houses of parliament and state assemblies to become law. Modi appealed to lawmakers to support the bill during a special session of parliament.
“This is a historic decision that will further strengthen Indian democracy and empower women,” Modi said in a televised address after the cabinet meeting. “The bill is not just about reservation, it is about empowerment. It is about giving women their rightful place in society and politics,” Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said.
The bill will also provide for reservation of seats for women belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in proportion to their population. The bill will come into effect after the delimitation exercise, which is expected to be completed by 2026. The delimitation exercise will redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on the latest census data.
The bill has been welcomed by many political parties, civil society groups and women’s rights activists as a long overdue reform that will benefit not only women but also the nation. “The bill will create a level playing field for women in politics and ensure that their voices are heard and their issues are addressed,” Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said. “Women’s participation in decision-making will improve governance, development and social justice,” UN Women India representative Nishtha Satyam said.
However, the bill also faces some opposition and challenges from some quarters. Some critics argue that the bill will not address the deeper structural and cultural barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in politics. Some also fear that the bill will create a quota system that will undermine merit and quality. “The bill is a welcome step but not enough. We need more women in leadership positions, not just as representatives. We need more women in the cabinet, in the judiciary, in the bureaucracy, in the media, in every sphere of public life,” activist Kavita Krishnan said.
The bill is seen as a bold move by Modi, who has been facing criticism for his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic slowdown and the farmers’ protests. The bill could boost his popularity among women voters ahead of the general elections in 2024. The bill could also have a ripple effect on other countries in South Asia and beyond, where women’s representation in politics remains low. India ranks 148th out of 193 countries in terms of women’s representation in parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Relevant articles:
– India cabinet approves bill to reserve 3rd of parliament lower house seats for women, Reuters, September 19, 2023
– Women’s reservation bill will further strengthen Indian democracy, says PM Modi, NDTV, September 19, 2023
– OPINION | WOMEN’S RESERVATION BILL : A GOOD BEGINNING, A NEW HOUSE, India TV News, September 19, 2023
– Women’s Reservation: Bill to come into effect after delimitation exercise. What you need to know, Livemint, September 19, 2023