The Women’s Reservation Bill made its debut in the Lok Sabha this Tuesday.
Arjunram Meghwal, the Minister for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), presented the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, amidst vocal opposition.
During his explanation of the bill, Meghwal honored the strength of women by reciting “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devta.
” This legislation has been dubbed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act.’ However, opposition protests persisted.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the bill’s introduction in Parliament and scheduled a debate for Wednesday.
Significant Boost for Women
Meghwal emphasized that this bill aims to empower women. Once it becomes law, the current count of female members (82) in the 543-member Lok Sabha will surge to 181.
Additionally, it will reserve 33 percent of seats for women in legislative assemblies.
The bill currently includes a 15-year reservation provision, with the possibility of extension by Parliament.
Meghwal questioned the intentions of the previous Manmohan Singh government for failing to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, despite it being approved by the Rajya Sabha in 2010.
Prime Minister Modi’s Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the Women’s Reservation Bill had been a subject of extensive discussion and debate.
Although attempts were made to introduce it during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, insufficient majority support prevented its passage, leaving the dream unfulfilled.
Modi stated that perhaps he had been chosen for such tasks by destiny. The Cabinet approved the Women’s Reservation Bill just yesterday.
Modi emphasized the rapid progress of women in various fields today and highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in both houses of Parliament.
