The Lok Sabha passed the Women’s Reservation Bill on Wednesday evening, with a vote of 454 in favor. The bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, will reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and state legislative assemblies. However, Opposition leaders have warned that it may take several years for the proposed law to be implemented.
“The proposal has been passed with more than a two-thirds majority of the members present in the house,” Speaker Om Birla announced after the voting.
The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament) on Wednesday, with 454 votes in favor and 2 votes against. The bill must now be approved by the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament) and at least half of India’s state assemblies before it can become law.
Since its initial introduction in 1996, the bill has faced six unsuccessful attempts to pass it, often encountering strong opposition from legislators. According to official statistics, India currently has only 104 female Members of Parliament out of a total of nearly 800.
The quota will only take effect once India conducts the 2021 census – postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Irate Opposition leaders have suggested that the Bill is election ‘jumla’ intended to “gets the headlines today”. Lawmakers have also flagged the lack of reservation for OBCs or the Muslim community.
“Some people on social media are saying that this bill should not be supported as there is no reservation of OBC, Muslims. If you don’t support this bill, will reservations happen sooner? If you support this bill, then will at least be guaranteed…” Home Minister Amit Shah told the Lok Sabha.
There is no specified timeline for the census and delimitation process, and consequently, there is no set date for the commencement of the women’s reservation initiative.
“Census and delimitation exercises will be conducted soon after the elections, and women will have a greater voice in the Parliament,” Shah informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
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