INTRODUCTION:
"This Bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country. All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing ‘Nari Shakti’. Let us give the country a strong message.” - PM NARENDRA MODI
I remember when I was in school, there was a friend who said in her debate about how the women’s reservation bill had not yet been passed and how important it is to pass the bill and I can see that coming true in front of my eyes in the place where I am now- Delhi! Not sure if she was a prophet, but I am sure that it is a pavement for the “ New Emerging Women Power”. The bill which was not passed for over three decades has been passed now creating a victory-filled history. Let’s go ahead with all we need to know about the “Women’s Reservation Bill.”
TIMELINE OF ATTEMPTS:
Let me take you all to the attempts of the past three decades made for passing the bill. Though these attempts were unsuccessful, it’s mandatory to know every single try made for women and to know why they were unsuccessful.
- It all started in the 1990’s.
- 1996- Introduced by United Front Government by Ramakant D Khalap who was the Law Minister of India at that time
- 1998- 2003- During the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, multiple attempts were made.
- 2010- There was a breakthrough during the tenure of Manmohan Singh, creating a partial luck. Yet the attempt was unsuccessful.
So around 27 years, the bill kept lapsing…
Why unsuccessful?
To put in simple words, the reason was “ no majority support “. Though support was there from one or two parties, many parties didn’t give their support. Here we go with the reasons of the unsuccessful attempts.
- 1996 - Reason: There was stiff opposition from within the ruling coalition.
- 1998-2003 - Reason: Consensus and Protests from the members of the SP, BSP and RJD.
- 2010 - Reason: BSP walked out, the Trinamool Congress did not participate in the voting and UPA government did not show the political will to get the Bill passed in the Lok Sabha despite the BJP and the Left supporting it.
- In 2014 too, the bill was expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha but it was unsuccessful.
Civics and Politics aside, it’s time to celebrate the bill which gained success after a tumultuous journey.
HISTORIC BILL HOISTED:
Putting an end to the decades–long crusade, the historic bill is hoisted on 19th September 2023 which I call the Red- Letter day of India.
The FIRST ever Special session held in the New Parliament gave us the happy news of the passage of this bill.
“NEW PARLIAMENT, NEW BILL, NEW INDIA”
The moment when my pride touched the sky! How happy our hearts should be to hear this! Our country is moving towards a great nation promoting equality! The Proposal of the bill became the Reality sowing hope in every woman and creating a new era of democracy.
“The spirit which we showed here will instill new confidence among people” – PM Narendra Modi
As our Prime minister said, it has led to a new confidence not only among women but also among the people of India as a whole. The women’s quota is a milestone that is achieved in 2023. I never knew that“ 2023” would become the year of India.
From the presidency of the G-20 summit to passage of the historic bill, India has seen major victories this year.
Especially the “New Emerging Women Power” has seen a lot of victories in addition to the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The All India Thal Sainik camp-2023 was inaugurated by DG NCC which was led by almost an equal number of women as men.
Antim Panghal claims bronze for India and Indian women cricket wins Gold at the Asian Championship along with Harmanpreet Kaur being the first Indian to achieve Unique Captaincy Century. Aditi Swami, archery's golden girl from India is among the Unstoppable 21.
To all the women who have achieved something or going to achieve something, this bill is a major support and voice to many!
“ A woman’s victory is a voice,
To another woman living in agony“
And the passage of the bill is a pathway of success to many women, as 33% woman’s quota will ensure the intake of woman candidates and it will lead to
“ Empowered women empower women”.
NAME OF NUMEROUS EMOTIONS:
So far I’ve been telling about the Women’s Reservation Bill without giving a clue of its name.
Of course, I needed a separate subheading to proclaim the Power-filled Bill.
The “NARI SAKTHI VANDAN ADHINIYAM”.
I don’t exactly remember how many times I uttered this in my heart and aloud. Pride takes over me as I ponder upon the name of the bill.
The translation of the name might sound like,
“Women’s Power Reservation Act”.
I should say that The bill has given a “New sakthi” to the “Nari Sakthi”.
HUGE WELCOME:
How can the historic bill not be appreciated? It has received huge welcome in India and been receiving praises!
On the Instagram page of PM Narendra Modi, I saw the huge welcome given to the bill in Ahmedabad and those happy faces of India’ s daughters and their laughter!
The above is the link for the heart-warming video of women rejoicing on our Prime Minister's Instagram page.
From political leaders to popular people, everyone has shown their appreciation.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said,
“The bill was “long overdue” and added it has been thoughtfully crafted considering that “we are at a critical stage of development. On why the government has convened a special session of Parliament, she said. “We have come into a new complex, new building for Parliament, new India. We would like this Parliament to deal with one of the best bills that it can deal with.”
As she said, the passage of the first bill-best bill is so critical for women’s development.
Priyanka Chopra, the title holder of the Miss World 2000 pageant said,
“The bill is a step in the right direction". "Inspiring a new age with this historic milestone...the crucial next phase is its swift and effective implementation. Here's to an India that truly supports and empowers its women.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also said about his unconditional support for the bill in one of his statements.
Not only him but also,
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP said,
“The women's reservation bill, in its current form, is the "shortest way" to ensure the earmarking of 33% seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.”
Having gained huge and majority support from various parties and leaders, it’s undoubtedly clear that there is huge support not only for the bill but also for “WOMEN's EMPOWERMENT”.
IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT:
I feel the most amazing thing for the bill is the voting tally. It makes me feel that there is huge support for gender equality and women empowerment.
The Voting tally:
From Lok Sabha- 64 for and 2 against.
From Rajya Sabha- 214 for and 0 against
Key features of women’s reservation bill:
- It is the 106th amendment made to the Indian Constitution
- It is the 128th Constitutional Bill declared by the Lok Sabha.
- The motive of the bill is to reserve one-third of the seats in be Lok Sabha and state legislatures and union territories for women.
- It will introduce 3 new articles (330A, 332A, and 334A) and 1 new clause (in 239AA) in the Constitution.
The impacts of the bill are great giving chances for more Women MPs, and more women leaders.
"The Bill will take the number of women MPs in the lower House of the Parliament to 181." - Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of Law and Justice.
Major things to be considered:
- Census: There has to be a census, on which seats the reservation will be implemented that identification has to be done by a quasi-judicial body (the delimitation commission),”
- Delimitation: The reservation for women will come into effect after the delimitation exercise (which can't take place, before 2026).
- Rotation: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.
- Duration: The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
REDUCING THE GENDER GAP:
According to the Global Gender Gap Report, India has made significant progress, rising from 135th (in 2022) to 127th out of 146 countries in the report's 2023 edition, indicating an improvement in its ranking.
This is mind-blowing!
The passing of the bill is a key to reduce the gender gap.
As we all know, among the 28 states of India, we have only one Lady Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
The passing of the bill gives opportunities for more women candidates to stand in elections which is nothing but a boon for women empowerment.
BILL BECOMES LAW:
After receiving assent from President Draupadi Murmu, the bill becomes law.
“Women’s reservation bill will be most transformative revolution in our times for gender justice. The Indian Constitution enables numerous silent revolutions, in the field of gender justice, and protection of life and dignity since its inception.”- President Droupadi Murmu.
As she said, it’s a revolution! From Passing of the bill to making it a law, it is a dream come true moment for all the leaders who have been trying to implement it and for the people who are keen on women's empowerment.
“With the approval of the historic ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act-2023’ by President Droupadi Murmu, this Bill has become an important law of India.”- Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
It will be officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act.
SOME LIMITATIONS:
Though the bill has been a huge victory, there are debates going on about the following demerits of the bill.
- The bill does not provide any reservation for OBC( Other Backward Class) women.
- It might be implemented only after the census is over, that is in 2026 or it might get extended to 2029. Some news reports say it might extend till 2034.
Some leaders have been asking for quick implementation of the bill. But the government has told that it is possible only for consensus and delimitation.
CONCLUSION:
"In the times we live in - when we talk about women's empowerment, gender inclusivity and various other aspects of gender equity- women's reservation bill is long needed and much needed." KIRAN MAZUMDAR SHAW- Indian entrepreneur and biotechnologist.
As she said, this was definitely a much-needed bill and law. We, the Women of India should make use of not only the bill but also many opportunities given to us in the best possible way to repay to our India!
Let’s not forget the day of the passage of the bill and just like how the bill created history, it’s our duty to keep achieving victory and to create history.
May the tricolors keep flying!
Let us keep working towards creating a “New India”.