NewKerala.com

DMK Pushes Women's Quota Bill, Challenges Govt's Delimitation-Linked Plan

DMK MP P Wilson has introduced a Private Member's Bill in the Rajya Sabha proposing permanent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies without requiring delimitation or a census. This move comes after the BJP-led government's Constitution Amendment Bill, which linked women's reservation to delimitation, was defeated in the Lok Sabha for lacking a two-thirds majority. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, supported women's reservation but opposed its linkage to delimitation, calling it an attempt to alter the electoral structure. The government has now decided not to pursue the remaining interlinked bills following the defeat.

Key Points: DMK Introduces Women's Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha

  • DMK MP introduces private bill for women's quota
  • Proposes immediate implementation without delimitation
  • Govt's linked bill defeated in Lok Sabha
  • Opposition supports quota but opposes delimitation link
  • Reservation proposed for Lok Sabha and state assemblies
2 min read

DMK introduces Private Members' Women's Reservation Bill, submits notice in Rajya Sabha for discussion

DMK MP introduces permanent women's quota bill, opposes govt's delimitation-linked plan. Bill defeated in Lok Sabha amid opposition criticism.

"This reservation is not temporary; rather, it has been made permanent. - P Wilson"

Chennai, April 18

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP P Wilson on Saturday introduced a Constitution Amendment Bill as a Private Member's initiative, proposing reservation for women from the very next election without altering the existing strength of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha and without undertaking any delimitation of constituencies or conducting a census.

Similarly, the Bill paves the way for providing reservations to women in State Legislative Assemblies, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the Union Territories of Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir, again, without increasing the number of seats or conducting any delimitation or census.

"This reservation is not temporary; rather, it has been made permanent," Wilson said.

Furthermore, a notice has been submitted to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha, requesting the suspension of the day's business to facilitate a discussion on the reservation for women, a measure that requires immediate implementation without the need for any delimitation or census.

The One Hundred and Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), passed in 2023 by Parliament, provides for 33% (one-third) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill, which was linked to implementing women's reservation through delimitation. In the voting held after a marathon debate, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it, leading to its defeat.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed that the bill did not pass as it fell short of the constitutional threshold. The government had introduced three interlinked legislations, including the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, but Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later said the remaining bills would not be pursued.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier accused opposition parties of blocking a key reform aimed at granting 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, maintained that they support women's reservation but opposed linking it with delimitation, calling the move an attempt to alter India's electoral structure.

The special sitting of Parliament was held amid the campaign for the assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Finally, some sensible politics. The opposition's point is valid - delimitation is a separate, complex issue. Mixing it with women's reservation seems like a tactic to postpone or derail it. We need this empowerment without any further excuses.
A
Amit Shah
While the intent is good, a Private Member's Bill rarely becomes law. The government's comprehensive approach linking it to delimitation was to ensure a fair distribution of seats based on current population. Without that, some states might be unfairly represented.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to follow Indian politics from abroad. Making the reservation permanent is a bold and necessary step. In many countries, such quotas have led to more inclusive policies. Hope this gets bipartisan support for the sake of progress.
M
Meera T
As a woman, I welcome any move that fast-tracks our representation. We've waited long enough. Whether it's DMK or BJP, the goal should be the same - get more women into the House. The political games need to stop. #WomenReservationNow
K
Karthik V
The timing, right before Tamil Nadu elections, is clearly political. But if it pushes the women's reservation agenda forward, I'm all for it. The bill's defeat in Lok Sabha shows how divided the house is on this. Need consensus, not confrontation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50