Parliament Special Session: Rajya Sabha Passes Women's Reservation Bill

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• Sep 21, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Rajya Sabha passed the much-awaited Women's Reservation Bill on Thursday, granting 33 percent reservation to women in both...

Digital Desk: In a landmark moment for gender equality in India, the Rajya Sabha passed the much-awaited Women's Reservation Bill on Thursday, granting 33 percent reservation to women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The historic bill received overwhelming support in the Upper House, with 215 Members of Parliament (MPs) voting in its favor.

The day-long session in the Rajya Sabha was dedicated to deliberating on the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill. Opposition parties engaged in a spirited debate, with some advocating for immediate implementation without delimitation and census and others urging for a sub-quota for the Other Backward Class (OBC). Despite these discussions, the bill ultimately received the endorsement of the majority of lawmakers.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who had introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha, celebrated the significant step towards gender parity. The bill had already secured near-unanimous approval in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sandeep Pathak, speaking in favor of the bill, emphasized its importance. However, he also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the bill aimed to take reservation away from women rather than provide it.

Responding to the opposition's concerns about the necessity of delimitation and census before implementing the reservation, BJP National President JP Nadda explained that these steps were part of a constitutional procedure.

Nadda also countered Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's demand for an OBC sub-quota, questioning the OBC representation during the Congress government's tenure between 2004 and 2014.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha had passed the bill with an overwhelming 454 votes, with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) being the sole opposing voice. AIMIM MPs Asaduddin Owaisi and Imtiaz Jaleel voted against the motion.

The Women's Reservation Bill has now completed its legislative journey and will be sent to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent before becoming law. This historic legislation marks a significant step towards enhancing women's participation in India's political landscape and promoting gender equality.