President Grants Assent to 'Women's Reservation Bill’

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has given her assent to the Women's Reservation Bill, officially enacting it as the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023. This landmark legislation mandates the reservation of one-third of seats in both Parliament and State legislative assemblies for women. Furthermore, it extends this reservation to include seats already designated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 19 by Union Minister of State for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, passed with an overwhelming majority in both houses. The Rajya Sabha unanimously approved the bill on September 19, with only two opposing votes from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MPs Asaduddin Owaisi and Imtiaz Jaleel. Subsequently, the Lok Sabha endorsed it on September 20 with a resounding 452:2 majority following an extensive eight-hour debate.

Importantly, the bill specifies that the reservation will be effective following a delimitation exercise during the first census after the Amendment Act's commencement. This provision will remain in force for 15 years from the commencement of the Amendment Act.

The bill's statement of objects and reasons underscores the significance of women's participation in decision-making processes, recognizing their diverse perspectives as enriching legislative debates. It highlights that women's empowerment is a critical component in achieving the goal of a "Vikasit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.

"After completing 75 years of Independence, the nation has begun its journey into Amritkal with a goal of becoming Vikasit Bharat' by 2047," the bill emphasizes. "The role of women, constituting half of the population, is extremely important in the realization of this goal."

This historic legislation represents a substantial stride toward gender equality and increased female representation in India's political arena.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University