New Delhi: In a landmark moment for gender equality and political representation, the Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes a 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly, has been passed in the Lok Sabha with an overwhelming majority. The bill is now set to be discussed in the Rajya Sabha, with optimistic prospects for its passage.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, officially known as the ‘Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, received resounding support in the Lok Sabha, with 454 votes in favour and just two against. The two opposing votes came from Asaduddin Owaisi and Imtiyaz Jaleel. Voting on the bill was conducted via a secret ballot, ensuring the privacy and freedom of choice of each Member of Parliament.
This historic legislation, once enacted, will mark a significant milestone in the journey towards gender parity in Indian politics. However, its implementation hinges on the reorganisation of constituencies based on the census data after a constitutional amendment, meaning that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will not be subject to the newly proposed reservation for women.
The Prime Minister hailed the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as a pivotal moment for women’s empowerment and political participation. He emphasised that the bill would expedite women’s progress, ensuring their greater presence in the political decision-making process. Union Law MinisterArjun Ram Meghwal, who introduced the bill, underscored its potential to uplift women, granting them more opportunities and representation in India’s democratic framework.
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