The first bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' on women's reservation was introduced in the new Parliament House.

The First Bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' on Women's Reservation: A Historic Milestone

In a historic move, the Indian government took a significant step towards gender equality by introducing the Women's Reservation Bill, also known as the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act,' in the new Parliament House on September 19, 2023. This bill aims to provide one-third (33%) reservation to women in the Lower House of Parliament, State Assemblies, and the Delhi Legislature. In this article, we will delve into the details of this groundbreaking legislation, its key features, and the journey it undertook to reach the Parliament floor.

A Long-Awaited Achievement

The Women's Reservation Bill has been a subject of discussion for an extended period. It was introduced several times during the reign of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India. However, during those attempts, there was not enough majority to pass the bill, resulting in the dream of women's reservation remaining unfulfilled.

The first bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' on women's reservation was introduced in the new Parliament House.

Prime Minister Modi's Announcement

In his maiden speech in the new Parliament House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic announcement. He declared that the Union Cabinet had approved the Women's Reservation Bill 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act,' ending decades of anticipation and frustration among those advocating for gender equality in Indian politics.

Legislative Process

The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal under the 128th Amendment Bill of the Constitution-2023. The discussion for passing the bill in the House was scheduled for September 20, 2023. Government sources also confirmed that the bill would be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on September 21, 2023.

Key Facts About the Women's Reservation Bill

1. Reserving Seats in Delhi: The bill proposes to reserve 33% of seats for women in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This will be achieved by amending Article 239AA of the Constitution. Additionally, 33% of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) will be reserved by amending Article 330A.

2. Delimitation Process: Notably, the Women's Reservation Bill can only come into force after the delimitation process begins in India. This means that it cannot be implemented before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

3. Census Timing: According to the existing law, the next delimitation exercise can be conducted only after the first census to be held after 2026. As a result, the bill may not become law until at least 2027. Some reports even suggest that the women's quota may be implemented by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

4. Reserved Seats for SC/ST Women: Once this Bill becomes an Act, 33% of the total seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the House/Assembly will be set aside for women from these communities.

5. Duration of the Act: Once enacted, this law will remain in force for 15 years, with the possibility of extending its duration. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has stated that after the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, the number of women members in the Lok Sabha will increase from the present 82 to 181.

6. Historical Perspective: The last time a bill to reserve seats for women in the lower house of Parliament, state assemblies, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly was introduced over a decade ago. This occurred when the Constitution (108 Amendment) Bill, 2008 was passed. Unfortunately, the bill lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha (2009–14).

FAQs

Q: What is the Women's Reservation Bill?

 The Women's Reservation Bill, also known as the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act,' is a legislative proposal introduced in the Indian Parliament to provide one-third (33%) reservation to women in the Lower House of Parliament, State Assemblies, and the Delhi Legislature.

Q: Why was the Women's Reservation Bill introduced?

 The bill was introduced to promote gender equality in Indian politics by ensuring adequate representation of women in legislative bodies.

Q: When was the Women's Reservation Bill introduced?

 The bill was introduced in the new Parliament House on September 19, 2023.

Q: What is the current status of the bill?

 The bill was scheduled for discussion in the Lok Sabha on September 20, 2023, and it is also set to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on September 21, 2023.

Q: When can the Women's Reservation Bill be implemented?

The bill can come into force only after the delimitation process begins in India, which means it cannot be implemented before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Q: How long will the Women's Reservation Act remain in force?

Once enacted, this law will remain in force for 15 years, with the possibility of extending its duration.

Q: What is the historical background of the Women's Reservation Bill?

 The Women's Reservation Bill has been a subject of discussion for an extended period and was introduced several times in the past. However, it had not been successfully passed into law until its recent introduction.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, or the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act,' marks a historic moment in India's legislative history. If passed, it will pave the way for increased representation of women in Indian politics, a long-awaited and significant step towards gender equality in the country. However, its implementation may take some time, but the momentum it has gained is undeniably a significant stride towards empowering women in India.