The Women's Reservation Bill

In 1993, a Constitutional Amendment was passed in India led by Prime Minister P V.Narasimha Rao that called for a random 1/3rd of Village Council Leaders, or Sarpanch positions in Gram Panchayat, to be reserved for women.

There is a long-term Plan to extend this Reservation to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.

The Women's Reservation Bill is a proposed Constitutional Amendment in India that would Reserve at least 33% of Seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for Women. The Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in 1996, but it has not yet been passed.

There are several arguments in favor of the Women's Reservation Bill. Proponents argue that it would increase the Representation of Women in Government, which would lead to better policies for women and girls. They also argue that it would send a strong signal that India is committed to Gender Equality.

However, there are also some arguments against the Women's Reservation Bill. Opponents argue that it would lead to a decline in the quality of representation, as less qualified women would be elected to fill the Reserved Seats. They also argue that it would be unfair to men, who would be denied the opportunity to run for office in the reserved seats.

The Women's Reservation Bill has been debated for many years, and it is unclear whether it will ever be passed. However, The Bill remains a symbol of the struggle for gender equality in India.

Here are some of the key points of the Women's Reservation Bill:

👉It would reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women.

👉The seats would be reserved in rotation and would be determined by draw of lots.

👉The reservation would be for a period of 15 years.

👉The bill would not affect the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The Women's Reservation Bill is a complex issue with no easy answers. It is a matter of ongoing debate, and it remains to be seen whether the bill will ever be passed. The future of the Women's Reservation Bill is uncertain.

The BJP has not yet introduced The Bill in Parliament, and it is unclear when or if The Bill will be introduced. However, The Bill remains a symbol of the struggle for gender equality in India.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has announced that if The Indian National Congress Party wins the 2024 Elections,  The Women's Reservation Bill will be one of  the 1st Bills to be Passed. Many Political Parties have urged BJP to pass the Bill .......but there has been no follow up.....

(c) Rohit Singh Negi