By Tamanna Shaikh
The 33% Women Reservation Bill is finally passed but there’re still some hitches of the suspicious kind…
IN a historic moment for India, Parliament recently passed the Women Reservation Bill securing a resounding majority in favour of the legislation. This landmark development has been welcomed by various segments of society, marking a significant step towards achieving gender equality in the realm of law and policy-making.
However, this success was not achieved without its fair share of challenges and opposition, and the road ahead is still dotted with uncertainties. The Women Reservation Bill, aimed at reserving 33% of seats in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies for women, has long been a subject of debate and contention. Previous attempts to pass this legislation had faltered, but this time, it sailed through with overwhelming support.
WOMEN HARDSHIPS
THE story of India’s Women’s Reservation Bills goes back many years. In 1974, a group noticed that women were finding it hard to become leaders.
In 1992, they made rules to have more women in local governments, which inspired the idea of having more women leaders at higher levels. Groups of women kept pushing for a law that would give more women a chance to lead at the national level.
The WRB wass first introduced in parliament in 1996 by the Deve Gowda-led government. Several ministers opposed the bill. Between 1998-2004 the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee made several attempts to pass the bill. In 2014 the bill was again expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha however lapsed.
Finally on September 2023 Lok Sabha passed the bill with 454 votes in favour and 2 against. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill unanimously with 214 votes in favour and none against.
UNDERSCORING URGENCY
THIS resounding victory in Parliament however underscores the urgency and necessity of women’s active participation in shaping the country’s laws and policies. But at the same time need for such a reservation system raises questions about the prevailing gender disparities in Indian politics. In the 21st century, when the world has made significant strides towards gender equality, the fact that such a bill is necessary highlights the persistent inequalities that women face in India.
If political parties had provided women with equal opportunities and representation, the need for reservations may not have arisen in the first place. This is the reason only 78 women candidate were elected to the 17th Lok Sabha out of 542 MPs. This is highest ever number making the proportion of only 14%. The Rajya Sabha has total of 224 members out of which 24 are female members.
UNCERTAINTIES, CENSUS DATA, PLEASE!
THE passage of the Women Reservation Bill is undoubtedly a momentous achievement, but there are still uncertainties surrounding its implementation. Despite securing a majority in Parliament, the bill will not be in effect for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The delay in implementation has raised questions about the government’s commitment to this crucial legislation.
One of the key reasons behind the delay is the requirement for delimitation and census data. The bill is slated to be implemented only after these processes are completed. This timeline has left many sceptical about the bill’s actual realization. Some women Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced their doubts, and their concerns are valid, given the history of delays and inaction on similar matters.
CHALLENGE FOR WOMEN
THE Reservation Bill faces the challenge in the demand for separate quotas within the reserved seats. Some political parties have opposed the bill, advocating for separate quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and minority women. While this perspective may stem from the desire to address intersectional concerns, it adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious issue.
Despite these challenges and uncertainties, the WRB remains largely unopposed in principle. Its passage signifies a collective acknowledgment of the need to rectify gender imbalances in politics. However, it is crucial to address the concerns raised by different groups and ensure that the bill’s implementation is fair and effective.
As we celebrate this significant step towards gender equality, it is essential to recognize that the fight for women’s rights and representation is far from over. The bill is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly achieve gender equality, society must address deep-rooted patriarchal norms, promote women’s education and economic empowerment, and create an environment that encourages women to enter politics voluntarily, rather than as a result of quotas.
TOP PRIORITY
MOREOVER, the government must ensure that the bill’s implementation remains a top priority. Delimitation and census processes should be expedited, and mechanisms for addressing the concerns of OBC and minority women should be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. It is essential to maintain transparency and accountability throughout the process to build trust in the legislation’s effectiveness.
CONCLUSION
IN conclusion, the passage of the Women Reservation Bill is a historic moment for India, signalling a commitment to gender equality in the political sphere. However, the journey towards true representation and equality is ongoing, with challenges and uncertainties still ahead. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to ensure the bill’s successful implementation and address the concerns of various groups to create a fair and inclusive political landscape. Only then can India truly claim to be a nation that values and promotes the equal participation of women in law and policy-making!