New Delhi– In a momentous development, the Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament, passed the Women’s Reservation Bill with an overwhelming majority. The historic legislation, aimed at enhancing gender equality and empowerment, received unanimous support from all 215 Members of Parliament present during the session. This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in the journey towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in India..
The Women’s Reservation Bill had already secured a majority in the Lok Sabha, India’s Lower House, just one day prior to its triumphant passage in the Rajya Sabha. The Union Cabinet had given its clearance to the bill on the preceding Monday, and it was swiftly introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Following a day of intense debate on Wednesday, the bill received the green light. Without missing a beat, the Rajya Sabha proceeded to take up the bill for passage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made a late-night appearance in the Rajya Sabha as the bill was under discussion, hailed the legislation as a pivotal moment in the quest for women’s empowerment. He remarked, “This bill will instill a new sense of confidence in the people of our country. All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power). Let us send a resounding message to the nation.”
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, while discussing the bill, emphasized the symbolic importance of the legislation and its connection to the construction of the new Parliament building. He expressed, “After the inauguration of the new Parliament building, we wanted to dedicate this building to women. This will be a historical building. To introduce this bill on Ganesh Chaturthi was the government’s decision. This is not from the point of view of elections. This is for giving respect to women.”
Highlighting the long-standing struggle to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, Reddy pointed out the previous governments’ inability to achieve this milestone. He asserted that what the Congress party could not accomplish in six decades was now being realized under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reddy extended his congratulations to all stakeholders involved in the successful passage of the bill.
The Women’s Reservation Bill is a critical legislative measure that seeks to address gender disparities in political representation. It proposes to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. This initiative aims to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities in shaping the nation’s policies and governance.
The passage of this bill is viewed as a testament to India’s commitment to gender equality and women’s participation in politics. It is anticipated that this move will pave the way for more women to actively engage in the political arena and contribute their perspectives to policymaking.
Political leaders from across the spectrum lauded the bill’s passage as a historic achievement and a major stride toward a more inclusive and equitable society. Opposition parties also expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to bring about positive change.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address gender disparities in political representation. Women make up a significant portion of the population, and their voices and perspectives must be represented in the highest decision-making bodies of the country. The Women’s Reservation Bill is seen as a transformative step in this direction.
The successful passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in both houses of Parliament reflects a collective commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality. It sends a powerful message to the nation and the world that India is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where women have an equal stake in shaping the future.
As the bill awaits formal enactment, its impact on India’s political landscape and the empowerment of women is eagerly anticipated. With the passage of this historic legislation, India takes a significant stride toward a more equal and representative democracy, where the voices and contributions of women are fully acknowledged and valued.
