A historic step towards gender equality: Women's Reservation Bill reintroduced in Lok Sabha

According to the proposed legislation, one-third of the total number of seats reserved for scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) communities will now be reserved for women from these marginalized groups. This approach recognizes the intersecting challenges faced by women belonging to these communities and strives to give them a more prominent role in shaping policies that directly impact their lives.

However, the bill also acknowledges the need for periodic review and evolution. It includes a provision stating that the reservation of seats for women will cease to exist 15 years after the commencement of the amendment act.

The reintroduction of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha carries a rich history. It was first introduced under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2008 and generated significant debate and discussion. The bill successfully passed through the Rajya Sabha in 2010, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward gender equality in politics. However, its progress was halted when the UPA government lost the general elections in 2014, causing the bill to lapse.

Aditi Phadnis, the Political Editor at Business Standard, pointed out several crucial considerations regarding the implementation of this reservation policy. She raised questions about the timeline for the reservation's activation, particularly with respect to seats allocated for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Given the changing demographics, it's conceivable that additional seats may need to be earmarked for these communities, which presents its own set of challenges.

Phadnis also highlighted that, based on her understanding, the reservation will likely operate on a rotation basis. This implies that current Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) representing both general and reserved constituencies may need to relinquish their seats if those seats are designated for women. This aspect introduces uncertainty about how this change will be received by male politicians.

“We have to see from when this reservation will become effective. Reservations have been made for SC and ST seats, I am assuming, from the existing lot but the population of the SC and ST has gone up – maybe more seats will have to be reserved. That is another issue. As far as I can tell, the reservation will be by rotation. The fact is that existing MPs and MLAs from general and reserved constituencies will then have to vacate their seats if their seat is going to be a reserved one for women. So how this will be received by the men – I am not sure,” she said.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the Executive Chairperson of Biocon and Biocon Biologics, underscored the importance of having women lawmakers to shape policies that specifically address the needs of women. She advocates for policies that are not only designed for women but are also crafted and championed by women themselves. This, she believes, is the essential essence of the matter. She further emphasized the necessity of increasing the representation of women in positions of policymaking and legislation.

“I do believe that you need women lawmakers because many policies are being enunciated for women and we must do it for women, by women, of women. That is the real crux of the matter. We must have more women policymakers and lawmakers. If you create this mandate, t does create the first level of equal opportunities for women and after that you don’t need reservation bill to see more women entering into the fray,” she explained.

Sujata Paul, the Congress Party's Spokesperson, expressed strong support for the passage of this bill.

“We want this bill to be passed. Unless and until you get an opportunity, how are you going to showcase your talent and what you can bring to the table? That is why this reservation is very important and we are all for it.”