• Ekta Basoya

Abstract: The discussion upon the reservation of women reservation bill is prevalent since the tenure of Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1996. As the then Government lacked a majority, the Bill could not have been approved. 1996 First Women Reservation Bill was introduced in the Parliament. 1998 – 2003 Government tabled the Bill on 4 occasions but failed. 2009 Government tables the bill amid protests. 2010 The Union Cabinet passes the Bill and RS passes it.2014 The Bill was expected to be tabled in LS. There are 82 women Member of Parliaments in LS (15.2%) and 31 women in RS(13%).While the number has increased significantly since the 1st Lok Sabha (5%) but is still far lower than in many countries. According to recent UN Women data, Rwanda (61%), Cuba (53%), Nicaragua (52%) are the top three countries in women representation. Bangladesh (21%) and Pakistan (20%) as well are ahead of India in case of female representation. The Bill provided for inserting Article 330A to the constitution, which borrows from the provisions of Article 330, which provides for reservation of seats to SCs/STs in the Lok Sabha. The Bill provided that reserved seats for women may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in states or Union Territories. In the seats reserved for SCs/STs, the Bill sought to provide one-third of the seats to be reserved for women on rotational basis. The Bill introduces Article 332A, which mandates the reservation of seats for women in every state Legislative Assembly. Additionally, one-third of the seats reserved for SCs and STs must be allocated for women, and one-third of the total seats filled through direct elections to the Legislative Assemblies shall also be reserved for women. Reservation for Women in NCT of Delhi ( New clause in 239AA). Article 239AA to the constitution grants special status to the Union Territory of Delhi as national capital with regards to its administrative and legislative functioning. Article 239AA(2)(b) was amended by the bill accordingly to add that the laws framed by parliament shall apply to the National Capital territory of Delhi. The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament. Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament. The Women Reservation Policy, introduced by the Modi government, aimed at increasing women's participation in Indian politics has generated significant debate and discussion since its inception. This research paper delves into the origins, development, and implementation of this policy, analyzing its impact on Indian politics. The paper employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative case studies to provide a holistic view of the policy's effects on political representation, empowerment, and societal dynamics. The Women’s Reservation Bill in India, also known as the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, seeks to reserve 33% of the seats in the Parliament and in all state legislative assemblies for women. Thanks to Narendra Modi government in the center, the bill was tabled and 454 MPS of both opposition & BJP voted in support, only AIMIM’s 2 MP oppose, in the lower house of Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha on Thursday also cleared the bill with all the 215 members voting in favour of proposed legislation. While it has been proposed and discussed for many years, it has not yet been passed into law. The Women’s Reservation Bill is enacted, it could bring several significant changes to women in Indian politics: The bill would ensure that one-third of legislative seats are held by women. This would lead to a more balanced representation of women in politics and government, which has been a long-standing dream of many political parties and many seasoned women politicians. Greater representation would empower women to actively participate in decision-making processes, advocate for women’s issues, and bring a diverse perspective to governance. Empowerment of Women in politics is the need of hour from many perspectives. An empowered women politician can change the dynamics of the region she represents in many ways. With more women in political positions, there’s a higher likelihood of policies and laws addressing gender-specific concerns such as women’s safety, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Women politicians can serve as role models, inspiring other women and girls to enter politics and pursue leadership positions. When a woman is sitting on a powerful chair, directly or indirectly she becomes a fine example to many young girls and women to take leading roles in society. Increased female representation can challenge traditional gender stereotypes and norms, fostering greater gender equality in society. The typical gender biases also come to an end with women playing important role on politics. The bill may change the dynamics of elections, with parties more likely to field female candidates in reserved constituencies, ultimately promoting women’s political careers.

Women Reservation

"Women Reservation Policy of Modi Government and Its Impact on Indian Politics", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no.g256-g266, September-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2309646.pdf

"Women Reservation Policy of Modi Government and Its Impact on Indian Politics", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 9, page no. ppg256-g266, September-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2309646.pdf