What Is the Women's Reservation Bill 2023?
The Women's Reservation Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, is the official name of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill. It reserves one-third (33.33%) of the total number of seats for women from various groups in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies.
Votes on the Women's Reservation Bill
Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha
On September 19, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government introduced the Women's Reservation Bill, or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The bill passed with 454 votes in favor and only 2 votes against, with Asaduddin Owaisi and Imtiyaz Jaleel opposing it.
Women's Reservation in Parliament, or the Rajya Sabha
The bill was passed on September 21, 2023, with 214 votes in favor, representing 100% support in Parliament; there were no votes against it in the Rajya Sabha. The bill had been received from the Lok Sabha on September 20, 2023.
PM Modi said, "With the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament, we usher in an era of stronger representation and empowerment for the women of India. This is not merely legislation; it is a tribute to the countless women who have shaped our nation. India has been enriched by their resilience and contributions."
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on the Women's Reservation Bill
Rahul Gandhi mentioned that the Women's Reservation Bill is commendable, but its fine print suggests that a caste census and delimitation need to be conducted beforehand.
Rahul Gandhi also expressed on Friday afternoon that the Congress "100 percent regrets" not passing the Women's Reservation Bill when it was in power.
Women's Reservation in the Panchayats
The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution mandated that one-third of the seats in Panchayati Raj institutions and the chairmanships of all Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local councils be reserved for women.
Conclusion: It's commendable that our nation has passed the Women's Reservation Bill. Now, women can participate more actively in political parties and contribute to the betterment of women's issues.
