Women's Reservation Bill: A Necessity for Gender Equality in Indian Politics
Introduction
The Women's Reservation Bill, officially known as the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill or the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aims to address gender disparities in political representation by reserving onethird of the seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. Despite being a welcome move, the Bill's implementation is delayed due to linkages with delimitation and the Census. This article discusses why implementing the Women's Reservation Bill is a pressing issue.
Legislative Background and Current Status
The Bill was first tabled in the Parliament nearly three decades ago and has had a tumultuous journey. Although it was passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, the Lok Sabha only recently passed it. The Bill has a 15year sunset clause for the quota, which can be extended.
Example: The Rajya Sabha's passing of the Bill in 2010 demonstrated initial legislative support, but the subsequent delays in the Lok Sabha showcase the hurdles this legislative piece has faced.
Linkage with Delimitation and Census
The Bill’s implementation is postponed due to its connection with delimitation and the Census. This means that women won't benefit from the 33% reservation in the 2024 general elections.
Example: The delay due to delimitation and Census shows the bureaucracy's inertia, sidelining a Bill crucial for gender equality.
Quotas within Quotas
The Bill also states that about onethird of the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) will be set aside for women. The Opposition is asking for an internal quota for women of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Example: While quotas within quotas aim to be inclusive, they can sometimes complicate the Bill's implementation, as seen in the Opposition's demand for OBC women's reservation.
Beyond Tokenism
There's a need for comprehensive plans to ensure that this Bill does not become a mere token for women's political representation. Lessons can be taken from how women in local bodies like panchayats have overcome barriers.
Example: States like Kerala and West Bengal have seen active participation of women in local governance, setting examples that can be emulated at a national level.
SocioEconomic Context
Women in India face uneven access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Among G20 countries, India's female labor force participation is the lowest at 24%.
Example: The SelfEmployed Women's Association (SEWA) has been working to improve women's access to employment, showcasing how much work remains to be done.
Conclusion
Given India's low female labor force participation and the gender disparities in politics, the immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill is crucial. Delays due to bureaucratic complexities should not deter the process, and a comprehensive, multidimensional approach is needed to ensure its effective implementation.
