In a historic move that marks a significant stride towards gender equality in Indian politics, the Lok Sabha, on December 12, passed two groundbreaking bills that mandate a 33% reservation for women in the legislative assemblies of Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry. This decision aligns with the broader objectives of the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act 2023, which was enacted in September 2023. The Amendment Act was a monumental step, introducing a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly, thereby setting a precedent for increased female participation in political decision-making.
The two bills in question, namely the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2023 for Puducherry and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill 2023 for J&K, were introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. These bills are not merely legislative instruments but symbolize a significant shift in the political paradigm, emphasizing the government’s dedication to fostering women’s representation and leadership in governance.
This legislative action builds on the momentum generated by the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was passed in a special session of the parliament on September 21. The bill, which received Presidential assent just a week later, was a landmark legislation in its own right. It aimed to reserve one-third of the seats in both Parliament and State legislative assemblies for women, thereby creating a more inclusive and representative political environment.
The implementation of these reservations in Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry, however, is dependent on the completion of a delimitation exercise that will follow the next census. This process is crucial as it will redefine the boundaries and number of constituencies, ensuring that the reservation policy is implemented effectively and equitably. Once initiated, this reservation policy is set to be in operation for a duration of 15 years. This time frame is significant as it allows for the establishment and normalization of increased female participation in these legislative bodies.
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The introduction of these bills is expected to have a transformative impact on the political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry. By ensuring a substantial representation of women in the legislative assemblies, these regions are poised to witness a shift towards more inclusive governance. This increased representation is not just about numbers; it’s about bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the forefront of political discourse and decision-making.
In essence, this move by the Lok Sabha is a bold step towards rectifying gender imbalances in political representation. It acknowledges the crucial role women play in governance and paves the way for more equitable and diverse legislative bodies. This historic decision is a testament to the evolving nature of Indian democracy, one that embraces inclusivity and equality, setting a benchmark for other regions and countries to follow.
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