This legislation received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu in September 2023.
What does the Act entail?
- 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies are reserved for women
- Reservations extend to SC/ST reserved seats
- Seats will be rotated following delimitation
- What is causing the delay in implementation?
Currently, the reservation is set to take effect only after a delimitation exercise based on the following Census.
According to PTI, this may postpone implementation until after the 2027 Census, pushing the rollout to approximately 2034 if there are no changes.
What proposals are on the table now?
The government is drafting amendments to facilitate implementation prior to the 2029 general elections, with Parliament scheduled to address the issue in a special session from April 16-18.
On April 8, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved draft amendment bills, clearing the path for the law’s rollout before the next Lok Sabha elections.
What has the Prime Minister stated?
In the lead-up to the special session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for a political consensus.
He sent a letter to floor leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, seeking their backing.“Starting from the 16th of April, we will engage in a historic discussion related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament… After thorough discussions, we have concluded that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true essence throughout the nation. It is crucial that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with women’s reservation in place… I am writing this letter to unify our voices in passing this amendment. It would be beneficial for many Members of Parliament to share their opinions on this matter in Parliament. This is a moment beyond any single party or individual…”
He emphasized the larger national objective, asserting: “For India to achieve its ambition of becoming a developed nation, it is vital for women to assume a more prominent and active role in this endeavor.”
Response from the Opposition
On Sunday, April 12, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister, expressing concerns over the timing of the special Parliament session.
He remarked that holding the session during ongoing election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal would constitute a “clear infringement of the Model Code of Conduct.”
In his correspondence, Kharge stated: “The calling of a special sitting amid the ongoing state elections only reinforces our belief that your government is hastening the implementation of the bill to gain political advantage rather than genuinely empowering women.”
Kharge reiterated the Opposition’s call for an all-party meeting after April 29.
Previously, Trinamool Congress leader in Rajya Sabha Derek O’Brien remarked: “Cease the theatrics and stunts before the Bengal and Tamil Nadu elections. Your motives are questionable.”
The BJP has issued a three-line whip, instructing Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in the House from April 16 to 18.
