Historic development: Women Reservation Bill Passed
News Kashmir Analysis
Reservation for women especially in the elected bodies of the country had been long pending dream of women of India to achieve empowerment.
In a landmark previous week,Twenty-seven years after the women’s reservation Bill was first introduced in Parliament, the Lok Sabha on September 20 passed a Bill with near unanimity to amend the Constitution and provide one-third reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Calling it a “historic legislation” that will enable greater participation of women in the political process, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly, Twitter) to thank the Lok Sabha members.
On the otherhand, The Rajya Sabha on Thursday (September 21) unanimously passed the Bill proposing to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, the state legislatures, and the Delhi legislative assembly. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eight Amendment) Bill 2023 was introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in the upper house , after the Lok Sabha passed it.
News Kashmir talked to cross section of women on this historic feat.
Rekha Mody, Founder Stree Shakti and She Leads ,a prominent voice of the country championing reservation cause for women since long while talking to the News Kashmir
observed that ” It is a historic development. Yes Indian women have united. Only 2 votes in opposition, we have created history . New India will usher in peace, prosperity and progress with women’s participation. “
Several other voices also affirmed their views.
Kusum Kaul , Prominent buisness leader and activist remarked that
Women Reservation Bill Is an excellent initiative by the Government of india to give proper and much needed space to 49% women of india in Politics.
She remarked further :”
According to Article 334 of Indian constitution, this reservation will come to effect after delimitation and that will happen only when census takes place, which is due overtime . So, if Modi jee wants to take the credit of introducing women Reservation Bill , he has to swiftly act on other 2 parameters first . As some opposition parties shared their concern that before passing this bill, the reservation for schedule castes, schedule tribes and other Minorities like Sikhs, Jains and parsis should also be taken into consideration within this reservation.
Besides the political parties don’t have enough women members to field in as candidates during elections, I think it will become imperative to field in wives/ daughters and sisters of the politicians, who are known to the voters. Winning the election is of utmost priority for all parties rather than fielding 33% women Women Reservation Bill Is an excellent initiative by the Government of india to give proper and much needed space to 49% women of india in Politics. Here is the twist to the tale . Political parties will have to rope in more such women, who can win elections. A humongous exercise for the parties . In BJP , women candidates will win in the name of Modi jee, in Bengal may be due to Mamta Didi , but a stalemate for other parties. This is not an easy proposition in the present scenario for opposition . It needs time for all, but the procedure needs to be started as soon as possible. It will take time both for Government as well as parties to prepare for this Reservation and give women of india their due representation in Indian parliament. The sensitive and thoughtful nature of women may take away the violence, malpractices and goondaism from the Election scenario of india . The
parties will have to rope in more women . The process will take time both for Government as well as parties to prepare for this Reservation and give women of india their due representation in Indian parliament. The sensitive and thoughtful nature of women may take away the violence, malpractices and goondaism from the Election scenario of india . “
It is pertinent to mention that prominent women face of Politics in Jammu and Kashmir, Senior BJP leader
and Vice Chairperson of J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board – Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat stated :”
It’s great step taken by honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Remarkable step towards women empowerment
Two parliament seat share will be given to J&k
We will see now about 180 women parliament members.
Women are the back bone of society they can nourish country with better loyalty and dedication. It’s historic step towards respect and gender equality.”
Dr KuwaRani Ritu Singh, well known Entrepreneur and educationist of the country while talking to News Kashmir stated:”
The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill is a monumental step towards gender
equality in our nation. In a society where gender disparities have long been entrenched, this
legislation marks an unprecedented leap forward, ensuring that the voices of women are
heard in the corridors of power.
The Women’s Reservation Bill’s impact goes beyond political representation. It sends a
powerful message to young girls across India that their dreams and aspirations have no
limits. It encourages them to aim for the highest offices and contribute meaningfully to the
nation’s progress.
This landmark legislation aligns with India’s commitment to the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality. It
positions India as a global leader in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As we celebrate the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, it is imperative to
honour and applaud Prime Minister Modi ji’s leadership in advancing women’s role
in legislation, policy-making, and governance. Under his leadership, we’ve seen a
renewed commitment to gender equality, exemplified by the passage of the Women’s
Reservation Bill. His vision for an inclusive and equitable India has been a driving
force behind this historic achievement.
Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to empowering women in all spheres of society is
evident in initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Ujjwala Yojana, which aim to
uplift and support women across the nation. His emphasis on women’s participation
and leadership is a significant step towards a more equitable and progressive India.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must remember that the work is far from over.
We need comprehensive strategies to ensure the effective implementation of the Women’s
Reservation Bill, and continued global collaboration to address the pressing challenges that
affect us all. Together, we can create a future where gender equality is not just a national
achievement but a worldwide reality.
Initiating the implementation of this historic bill in Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming
elections, given the region’s recent delimitation process, would be a strategic move. It would
set a precedent, ensuring that no part of our nation remains untouched by the winds of
change.
In this era of global challenges and opportunities, seizing this historic moment is crucial. By championing women’s empowerment, we can reshape our society, strengthen our economy,
and create a more equitable world. Just as India reached the moon, the success of the G20 ,and the Women’s Reservation Bill can be the catalyst for a future where gender equality is not a dream but a living reality.”
