Recently, the Indian government introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, aiming to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies. This move follows previous reservations at the local level in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies through the 73rd and 74th Amendments. These amendments established elected local self-governance in rural and urban India and introduced direct elections, reserved seats for women, and outlined responsibilities for these bodies. The newly proposed amendment seeks to extend women’s representation in higher legislative bodies, addressing a long-standing gender disparity.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Panchayati Raj: A system of local self-governance in rural India, established by constitutional amendments, including the reservation of seats for women.
- 73rd and 74th Amendments: Constitutional amendments enacted to empower local self-governance in rural and urban areas, respectively, with provisions for women’s representation.
- Gram Sabha: The fundamental unit of democracy in villages, responsible for decision-making and governance at the local level.
- District Planning Committees: Introduced by the 74th Amendment, these committees consolidate development plans prepared by Panchayats and municipalities at the district level.
- Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Communities in India historically marginalized and disadvantaged, for which reserved seats and positions were introduced to ensure representation and inclusivity in local governance.
