Women's Reservation Bill
History has a unique skill of repeating itself. Just as on the midnight of August 14-15, 1947, India gained independence from centuries of colonial rule, a similar momentous occasion presented itself to the nation on September 21st, 76 years later. It was during the wee hours of the night that the Women’s Reservation Bill, in the form of the Women’s Reservation Act, granted freedom to half of the country’s population from subjugation that had lasted for centuries.
After 1996, several governments presented various versions of the Women’s Reservation Bill, but due to a lack of political consensus, it failed to become law. The Uttar Pradesh government introduced the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha in 2008, and when it was passed two years later, the bill finally came close to reality. However, when the bill was sent to the Lok Sabha as per parliamentary procedure, it couldn’t be passed due to opposition from various political leaders, including allies of the ruling party. The hope of the bill passing when the Lok Sabha reconvened in 2014 also faded.
Long-pending aspirations have now been realized due to the determined efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The move to introduce the Women’s Reservation Bill is commendable on several fronts. The announcement made by the Prime Minister on Ganesh Chaturthi and the fact that it was presented in the new Parliament building make this occasion memorable. It also harks back to the democratic reforms initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While he couldn’t make this dream a reality, largely due to a lack of political consensus crossing party lines, Prime Minister Modi has succeeded in breaking through those political barriers.
In the context of states, this becomes even more significant. Government statistics reveal that the representation of women legislators in state assemblies is significantly low. A December 2022 response in Parliament by then Law Minister Kiran Rijiju highlighted that important states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Karnataka have less than 5% women legislators. Mizoram and Nagaland didn’t have a single woman in their state assemblies until 2018. In this context, Bihar and Haryana, where the representation crosses the 10% mark, show stark disparities. However, the Women’s Reservation Bill offers a solution to this issue.
The issue at hand is not just gender equality; it goes beyond that. It is a well-established fact that in politics, where there is greater representation of women, there is also a greater inclination towards systemic and societal improvement. Research shows that when more women participate in politics, it leads to greater political participation among women in society.
In a way, this role serves as a model for society. Women in politics challenge the notion that politics is a male-only domain. Furthermore, it inspires other women to consider politics as a career. Beyond social impact, it has positive effects on policymaking and law advocacy that directly influence women’s lives. It promotes inclusive and common agendas that cater to the needs of the general populace.
The Women’s Reservation Bill also reserves approximately one-third of seats in the reserved categories for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for women. While opposition parties are demanding internal quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBC) women, it should not be used as a delaying tactic. It’s important to note that India already has reservations for women in local bodies, with many states exceeding 50% representation of women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
By implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill, India will not only significantly increase the representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures but also set a unique example as the world’s largest democracy. This is a hope that holds strong, even if the bill may not take effect until after the 2029 elections due to the lengthy processes of delimitation and census. Nevertheless, it will create a strong platform for women to play a more important role in politics.
The impact of women’s increased political representation goes beyond politics. It can break down barriers and bring about changes in various sectors, including health, nutrition, education, and security. In a post-COVID scenario where many women have been pushed out of the workforce for various reasons, it is essential to ensure women have a voice and a secure future. It’s time for women to speak up and take their place in shaping the future, and the Women’s Reservation Bill is a significant and historic step in that direction.
