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Women's Reservation Bill: Half of India Awaits Historic Decision, Says MoS Patel

Minister of State Anupriya Patel strongly advocated for the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, stating half the country's population awaits its passage. She highlighted the inadequate representation of women, with only 14% in the Lok Sabha and 18% in the Rajya Sabha. Patel criticized political parties for preferring "strongmen" over ordinary women as candidates and called for collective support. The debate also addressed concerns about delimitation and Southern states, with references to explanations provided by Home Minister Amit Shah.

Key Points: MoS Anupriya Patel Backs Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha

  • Bill backed as historic for women
  • Current women's representation called disappointing
  • Parties criticized for candidate selection
  • Amit Shah addressed delimitation concerns
3 min read

Country's half population is waiting for historic decision: MoS Anupriya Patel on Women's Reservation Bill

Minister Anupriya Patel urges passage of Women's Reservation Bill, citing low political representation and calling for cross-party support.

"The country's half population is looking at the House today... - Anupriya Patel"

New Delhi, April 17

The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, on Friday backed the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, asserting that the country's women are closely watching the House proceedings and expecting a historic decision.

"The country's half population is looking at the House today, and they are watching that in Indian politics, a major change will reach its conclusion."

She noted that while political consensus had emerged earlier, the legislation has yet to be implemented.

"It is true that all parties together in 2023 formed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, but even today, the country's half population is waiting for this Bill to be passed."

Highlighting the current representation of women in legislatures, MoS Patel said the numbers remain inadequate.

"The situation of political participation of women is only 14 per cent in the Lok Sabha, and in Rajya Sabha it is 18 per cent, and in every state Assembly, we are nowhere more than 10 per cent. This ratio is disappointing, and it is time to change the picture."

She also criticised political parties for their approach to candidate selection.

"I am not happy to say that many times political parties do not stop themselves from giving tickets to 'bahubalis' (strongmen) and criminals, but a normal woman is not considered a winning candidate and is stopped from getting a ticket. We have the opportunity today to change this situation."

Emphasising the need for collective support, MoS Patel said, "That is why our Prime Minister appealed to every party to take forward this Bill together."

Addressing concerns raised during the debate, she added, "Many concerns and debates are being created over this, among which one issue was about Southern states, those who performed well in population control may face problems. But Home Minister Amit Shah explained that in every state 50 per cent seats will be increased and according to seats there won't be any problem caused in any state."

Responding to Opposition's objections, MoS Patel said, "But our Opposition MPs are saying this is written nowhere, you are just saying it."

She also took a swipe at previous governments, saying, "In the House many members said that we have the strength of 543 and why not proceed with women's reservation with this much strength. I want to ask, when you had power, why didn't you pass the Women's Reservation Bill?"

Responding to Opposition's allegations that the Union government brought the issue for political gain, MoS Patel said, "For political benefit, we have called this special Parliament session amid ongoing elections in a few states. I want to clarify -- don't worry, this will benefit you as well. Take part in this 'noble cause' and give a message to half the population of this country that you support the Women's Reservation Bill."

Her remarks came during an extended debate in the Lok Sabha on key bills related to women's reservation and delimitation, with voting on the legislation scheduled to take place later.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support more women in politics, I'm skeptical about the timing. Why call a special session during state elections? Feels like political posturing. The bill itself is good, but the execution seems designed for headlines.
S
Sarah B
As an expat following Indian politics, this is encouraging. The numbers she quoted are startlingly low. In many democracies, we see how women's representation leads to more focus on healthcare, education, and social welfare. India needs this change.
A
Arjun K
She's right to ask previous governments why they didn't pass it when they had the chance. Everyone talks about women empowerment during elections, but no one delivers. At least now there's some movement. Better late than never.
M
Meera T
My mother always says, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." Women need to be in the rooms where decisions are made. Reservation is the first step to break the old boys' club. Hope they don't just give tickets to wives and daughters of existing politicians though.
V
Vikram M
The concern about Southern states is valid. They controlled population growth and might lose seats. Amit Shah's assurance about increasing seats needs to be in writing, not just verbal. Otherwise, it's just another jumla.
K
Kavya N

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