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Women's Reservation Bill: Historic Step Fulfills Long-Standing Demand

Union Minister Annapurna Devi emphasized the historic significance of the Women's Reservation Bill, announcing a special Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam conference to amplify women's participation. The government plans to proceed with the bill using 2011 census data for delimitation due to delays in the new census. This move could increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with about one-third reserved for women. The plan requires passing Constitutional amendments, with the bill set to be a focus of Parliament's special session starting April 16.

Key Points: Women's Reservation Bill Moves Forward with 2011 Census Data

  • Special Nari Shakti conference organized
  • Reservation tied to 2011 census data
  • Lok Sabha seats may increase to 816
  • Constitutional amendments required
  • No provision for OBC quota in bill
2 min read

"Long-standing demand of women is now certainly being fulfilled": Union Minister Annapurna Devi on Women's Reservation Bill

Union Minister Annapurna Devi announces a key conference and amendments to implement women's political reservation, using 2011 census for delimitation.

"This long-standing demand of women is now certainly being fulfilled. - Union Minister Annapurna Devi"

New Delhi, April 12

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on Sunday highlighted the significance of the Women's Reservation Bill, stating that a special conference has been organised to mark the occasion and amplify women's participation across sectors.

She termed the development a "historic occasion," underlining that the long-pending demand for greater political representation of women is now being addressed.

Speaking to ANI, she said, "The Women and Child Development Department has organised a Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam conference and women from across society will attend. We have also requested the Prime Minister to attend. He has given his consent. This is certainly a historic occasion. This long-standing demand of women is now certainly being fulfilled...Tomorrow's programs will certainly send a message..."

The Parliament is set to meet for a three-day special session starting April 16, with a focus on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill.

The Government has planned two major amendments. 2023's Nari Shakti Vandan Act tied women's reservation to the new census and delimitation. Due to census delays, the plan is to proceed with the 2011 census data.

The 2011 census is to be the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution. Lok Sabha seats may increase from 543 to 816 post-amendment. A bill will be introduced in Parliament to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

A separate Delimitation Bill will be introduced. Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments for women's reservation.

The new Lok Sabha is likely to have more than 800 seats. Keeping up with the status quo, there is no provision for OBC reservation, and SC/ST reservation will continue. However, states won't have a role; the bill passed by Parliament will apply to them. Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats. With a proposed 50 per cent increase, the number of seats will rise to 816, with 273 (about a third) reserved for women.

The government's key point is that they won't wait for a new census to give women, comprising half the country's population, fair representation in Parliament. Instead, delimitation will be done using the 2011 census data.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A historic step, no doubt. But I have a genuine question: why is there no provision for OBC women's reservation within this quota? True empowerment must be inclusive of all sections of society.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with women's self-help groups in rural India, I can see the massive potential this unlocks. Local governance (Panchayati Raj) already showed us what women leaders can achieve. Exciting times!
A
Arjun K
Increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816 is a huge structural change. Hope it leads to better representation for all, not just more politics. The focus should remain on development and governance.
M
Meera T
Finally! 👏 My only worry is that it shouldn't become a token seat for political wives and daughters. We need genuine women leaders who understand ground realities and will raise issues that matter to us.
D
David E
Using 2011 census data seems like a practical solution to move forward without further delay. The proof will be in the implementation. Hoping this leads to more women-centric policies in health, education, and safety.

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