HISTORIC: GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NARI SHAKTI VANDAN ADHINIYAM FOR WOMEN'S RESERVATION IN PARLIAMENT

In a move set to have far-reaching impacts on InLdia's electoral politics, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government introduced the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2023, during Tuesday's special parliamentary session to bring in one-third or 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and all state Legislative Assemblies.

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Named the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam," the bill was tabled in the Lower House by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal amid uproar from the Opposition, which demanded "more clarity" about the quota.

The Union Cabinet had on Monday cleared the amendment bill then known as the Women's Reservation Bill (WRB) and revived the amendment pending for almost 27 years due to the lack of consensus among various political parties. Tuesday's proceedings made the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam the first piece of legislation to be introduced in the new Parliament building.

Now, with several parties pushing for reservations for women in both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, the bill is likely to see a smooth passage this time, unlike in the past when it was opposed by several regional parties for varied reasons. However, its implementation may take some time and it is unlikely to come into force for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections since the reservation will come into effect only after a delimitation exercise is completed.

WHAT IS THE BILL?