History in the making! PM Narendra Modi announces women’s reservation bill on Day 1 of new Parliament
History in the making! PM Narendra Modi announces women’s reservation bill on Day 1 of new Parliament
On the first day of proceedings at the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant announcement by introducing the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ also known as the women’s quota bill. During this announcement, he sought consensus among all lawmakers and expressed his commitment to this important legislative initiative.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, conveyed a sense of divine purpose in advocating for the women’s quota bill, suggesting that he sees it as a mission entrusted to him by a higher power. This underscores the significance and urgency of the proposed legislation.
In a subtle critique of past governments, PM Modi pointed out that previous administrations had struggled to pass similar reservation bills aimed at providing greater representation for women in politics. His administration appears determined to break this pattern and make progress on this important issue.
The women’s quota bill, as proposed by the Prime Minister, seeks to ensure 33 percent reservation for women politicians in both the Parliament and legislative Assemblies. This move reflects a commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the political sphere, a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and representative democracy.
As the legislative process for the women’s quota bill unfolds, it will likely spark discussions and debates among lawmakers, civil society, and the public at large. Achieving consensus on such an important matter will be a significant milestone for India’s political landscape, potentially leading to greater gender diversity and participation in decision-making processes at the highest levels of government.
During the second phase of the Special Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the historic women’s quota bill, shedding light on the numerous attempts made in the past to introduce and pass this legislation. He recounted the persistent efforts to bring about this important change in India’s political landscape.
PM Modi acknowledged that the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government had made multiple attempts to present the women’s quota bill in Parliament. However, despite these commendable efforts, the bill faced a recurring challenge: the lack of sufficient numbers or support to secure its passage. This historical context underscores the difficulties faced by previous administrations in enacting this vital piece of legislation aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in politics.
With a sense of resolve and determination, Prime Minister Modi declared that he sees the opportunity to advance the women’s quota bill as a calling from a higher source. He framed this endeavor as a divine mission, emphasizing the gravity and significance of the legislation. This reflects his strong commitment to addressing gender disparities and enhancing women’s participation in decision-making processes.
The proposed ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ seeks to usher in a new era of representation by ensuring 33 percent reservation for women politicians in both Parliament and legislative Assemblies. PM Modi’s leadership in championing this cause not only acknowledges the historical challenges but also underscores the urgency of rectifying this imbalance.
As the legislative process unfolds and the bill undergoes deliberations in Parliament, it is expected to generate robust discussions and debates among lawmakers, civil society, and the public. Achieving consensus on such a transformative measure will be a pivotal moment in India’s political history, promising increased gender diversity and the strengthening of democratic principles through broader and more inclusive representation.
In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for a constitution amendment bill aimed at providing reservations for women in both Parliament and state assemblies. This momentous decision represents a significant step toward achieving greater gender equality and representation in India’s political arena.
The approval of the women’s reservation bill signifies a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity and empower women in politics. It lays the foundation for introducing this historic legislation during the current special session of Parliament, marking a significant moment in India’s legislative history.
Once enacted, this bill will have a transformative impact on India’s political landscape by ensuring that a certain percentage of seats in both Parliament and state assemblies are reserved for women. This affirmative action measure aims to address the historical underrepresentation of women in these decision-making bodies.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing gender disparities and enhancing women’s participation in the democratic process. It acknowledges the vital role women play in shaping the nation’s future and highlights the importance of their active involvement in policymaking and governance.
As the bill progresses through Parliament, it is likely to stimulate extensive debates and discussions among lawmakers, civil society, and the public at large. Achieving consensus on this legislation will be a significant achievement, and its enactment will mark a turning point in India’s journey toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.
For the women’s reservation bill to become law, it must pass through several legislative stages and garner substantial support. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Introduction: The bill has already been approved by the Union Cabinet, and it will be introduced in either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the two houses of the Indian Parliament.
- Debate and Discussion: The bill will undergo a thorough examination, including debates and discussions, in the house where it is introduced. Members of Parliament (MPs) will express their views, and the bill may be subject to amendments during this stage.
- Passage in One House: After debates and discussions, the bill must be passed by a simple majority vote in the house where it was introduced. If it is introduced in the Lok Sabha, it must pass there, and if it’s introduced in the Rajya Sabha, it must pass there.
- Transmission to the Other House: If the bill is passed in the house where it was introduced, it is then transmitted to the other house (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha), where it goes through a similar process of debate, discussion, and potential amendments.
- Passage in the Other House: The bill must again be passed by a simple majority vote in the second house.
- Joint Sitting (if required): If there is a disagreement between the two houses regarding the bill’s provisions, a joint sitting of both houses can be called to resolve the differences. The bill must pass by a simple majority in this joint sitting.
- President’s Assent: Once both houses agree on the bill’s content, it is sent to the President of India for formal assent. The President’s assent is typically a formality, and once granted, the bill becomes law.
- Amendment to the Constitution (if required): In the case of a constitution amendment bill, like the one for women’s reservation, it must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. Additionally, some amendments may require ratification by a majority of state legislatures.
It’s important to note that constitutional amendments are a more rigorous process compared to regular legislation. They require broader support and are subject to stricter requirements.
So, to become law, the women’s reservation bill will indeed need to pass by a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. If it successfully clears all these stages, it will amend the Indian Constitution to provide reservations for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
