Women’s Reservation Bill

Context

Recently, a leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) began a day-long hunger strike in New Delhi, demanding passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB).

Probable Question

Why has the women’s reservation bill faced stiff opposition for various reasons since its introduction in 1996? Explain. (150 words, 10 marks)

About the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB)

History of the Women’s Reservation Bill

• The WRB was first introduced in 1996, however, it didn’t get approval in Lok Sabha.
• WWB was then referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by Geeta Mukherjee, which presented its report in December 1996. However, the Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and had to be reintroduced.
• It was then introduced in 1998, 1999, twice in 2003, and 2008  but it failed to get support and lapsed every time.
• The Bill, then, reached the Lok Sabha, after passing in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, where it never saw the light of day. When the House was dissolved in 2014, it lapsed once again.

Features of the Women’s Reservation Bill

The Bill will reserve 1/3rd of the total number of seats in state Assemblies and Parliament for women.

Significance of the Women’s Reservation Bill

• Development of nation: Women should have a greater presence in politics if India is to develop on par with other nations.
• Better implementation: Countries with a higher share of women in the national parliament are more likely to pass and implement gender-sensitive laws, as per the American Economic Association.
• Increased women participation: A 2010 study by the Harvard Kennedy School showed that female representation in village councils increased female participation and responsiveness to concerns such as drinking water, infrastructure, sanitation, and roads.

Issues with the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB)

• Reduce competitiveness: WRB’s opponents claim that due to the reservation, women would not be seen as competitors on the basis of merit, this would perpetuate their inferior status. 
• Divert attention: Additionally, they argue that this strategy serves to deflect attention from the more important aspects of electoral reform, such as the criminalization of politics and internal party democracy.
• Limits option: Parliamentary seat reservations limit voters' options to female candidates. Therefore, some experts have suggested alternate methods such as reservation in political parties and dual-member constituencies.

Current Status of Women in Parliament

• India’s ranking: India ranks 144 out of 193 countries in the representation of women in Parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s latest report.
• Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha: Currently, just 14% of Lok Sabha MPs are women (78 in total). Women make up roughly 11% of the Rajya Sabha. 
• Slow progress: While the number has increased significantly since the first Lok Sabha, where women made about 5% of the total MPs, it is still far lower than in many countries.
• Global comparison: According to data from PRS, Rwanda (61%), South Africa (43%), and even Bangladesh (21%) are ahead of India in this matter. 

Demand for reservation for women in legislative bodies

• Reservation for women in legislative bodies is regarded as a natural progression from the 72nd and 73rd constitutional amendments (1992, 1993).
• The demand for reservation for women in legislative bodies never gets consensus over the issue mostly due to divergent views.

News Source: The Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/womens-reservation-bill-8489481/

Frequently Asked Question

The Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies would reserve one-third of all seats for women under the Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill of 2008. The authority specified by Parliament shall decide how to distribute the reserved seats. 

To improve your UPSC CSE Preparation and succeed on the UPSC CSE examination, download the PrepLadder app. It will give you access to the best UPSC study material, selected by India's top UPSC faculty.The Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies would reserve one-third of all seats for women under the Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill of 2008. The authority specified by Parliament shall decide how to distribute the reserved seats. 

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