In a historic move to promote gender equality in Indian politics, the Indian parliament has passed a bill that reserves one-third of seats in the Lower Parliament for women. This landmark decision aims to empower women and increase their representation in the country’s legislative body.
The bill, which received approval from the lower house on Wednesday and the upper house on Thursday, is now awaiting the president’s signature. Once signed into law, it will mandate a minimum percentage of women lawmakers in the Lower Parliament for a period of 15 years. Additionally, within the reserved seats for women, there will be a further minimum allocation for women from tribal communities and those belonging to the lower strata of the Hindu caste system.
This significant legislative step has been met with both support and debate within India. Proponents argue that it will lead to more diverse and inclusive decision-making processes and address the historical underrepresentation of women in Indian politics. Critics, on the other hand, have raised concerns about the implementation and effectiveness of such quotas.
The reservation of parliamentary seats for women is seen as a significant step towards achieving gender parity in Indian politics and addressing issues related to women’s rights and participation in governance. It reflects India’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy.
