What is Women Reservation Bill

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Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader initiates a hunger strike in New Delhi, urging the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB), which aims to enhance women’s representation in legislative bodies.

Table of Contents

What is Women Reservation Bill (WRB):

The Women’s Reservation Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment, seeks to reserve one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This provision is seen as a crucial step towards empowering women in Indian politics.

Timeline of the Bill:

1996: First introduced but lapsed due to dissolution of Lok Sabha.
1998: Reintroduced but did not receive adequate support.
1999: Reintroduced in the 13th Lok Sabha but faced challenges.
2004: Included in the Common Minimum Programme and tabled in Rajya Sabha in 2008.
2010: Passed in Rajya Sabha but lapsed in Lok Sabha.

Challenges in Passing the Bill:

Heated Debates and Sexist Remarks: The WRB has faced intense debates and sexist comments, hindering its passage.
Quota within Quota: The proposal for reservation of seats for Other Backward Class (OBC) women within the 1/3rd reservation for women has been a point of contention.
Lack of Political Will: Many political parties have not taken substantial steps to support women’s reservation.
Diversion of Focus: Opponents argue that the WRB diverts attention from crucial electoral reforms.

Status of Women Representation in India:

Gujarat: Only 8% of women legislators in the 182-member assembly.
Himachal Pradesh: Elected only 1 woman out of 67 legislators, despite a significant female voter base.
National Average: The national average of women in state assemblies is approximately 8%.
Global Ranking: India ranks 144 out of 193 countries in women’s representation in parliament.

Importance of the WRB:

Historical Inequality: Women have historically faced systemic inequalities and barriers.
Inclusive Representation: WRB promotes representation of women across caste groups, adhering to constitutional principles.
Empowerment through Reservations: Studies have shown positive impacts of reservations on women’s empowerment and resource allocation.

The Way Forward:

Unlocking Potential: India, with its substantial women population, can significantly progress by empowering women politically.
Initiating Democratic Participation: WRB can jump-start the democratic process, allowing a majority of the population to actively participate in governance decisions.

Conclusion:

The Women’s Reservation Bill is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy in India. It’s imperative to address challenges and garner support to realize the potential of this important legislation.

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