Article:
The significance of the Women’s Reservation Bill has recently gained fresh attention, due to the demands expressed by a political party in advance of the monsoon session. Proposed initially in May 2008, the bill has been revitalized after a long hiatus, stemming from its lapse with the 15th Lok Sabha.
Origin of the Women’s Reservation Bill
The Women’s Reservation Bill was an offshoot of a constitutional amendment passed in 1993, which mandated that a third of village council leader or Sarpanch positions in gram panchayats be reserved for women. It was seen as the start of a longer-term initiative aimed at extending this reservation to both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
About the Women’s Reservation Bill
The proposed bill aims to set aside 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies for women. The reserved seats would be rotated among different constituencies within each state or union territory. However, the reservation will terminate 15 years after the amendment act comes into effect.
The Need for Female Representation
As per the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, there has been a significant decline of 13.5 percentage points in India’s political empowerment index, coupled with a decrease in women ministers from 23.1 percent in 2019 to 9.1 percent in 2021. Even government Economic Surveys have recognized that representation of women in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies is alarmingly low. Observations from various surveys indicate that women representatives from Panchayati Raj have made commendable contributions in rural development and societal welfare.
Challenges Faced By Women in Politics
Despite their potential and drive, women in politics face numerous obstacles including lack of political education, economic constraints, sexual violence, manifestations of harmful patriarchy, unequal division of domestic work, and the practice of Panchayat Patis – where male relatives use women as proxies in Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) to exercise power.
Significance of Women’s Representation in Politics
Political empowerment of women is based on three principles: equality between genders; women’s potential for full development; and the right of women to represent themselves and make decisions for their own fate. There is a need for more female leaders to influence political decisions and inspire younger generations.
Contentious Issues Surrounding the Bill
Critics argue that the bill may reinforce gender inequality as women would not be seen as competing on merit. Other criticisms include that the policy diverts attention from broader electoral reform issues like criminalisation of politics and inner party democracy. The rotation of reserved constituencies may also diminish an MP’s motivation to work for his constituency, knowing he may be ineligible for re-election from the same constituency. Some have proposed alternative strategies such as reservation within political parties and dual member constituencies.
Looking Ahead: Making the Political Sphere Conducive for Women
PRIs have played a significant role in facilitating representation of women at the grass-root level with many states granting 50 percent electoral reservation to women. Fundamental reforms within political parties are essential counterparts to the Women’s Reservation Bill. Regardless of the bill’s progress, steps must be taken to create internal party structures that are more conducive to women’s political participation. The Indian view differs from Western perspectives on quotas, with quotas being seen in India as invaluable tools for social leverage and a means to redress long-term oppression. However, even once women achieve political parity with men, they may still face numerous challenges, necessitating cultural, institutional, and behavioural changes among India’s population.
