Remarks came post Union Cabinet approved a draft amendment bill to operationalise Women’s Reservation Act ahead of schedule, bringing it into effect for 2029 general elections.
- Further, decision has been made to convene Parliament to discuss and advance the issue in coming days as any more delay would hinder the momentum of progress.
- Further, proposal to raise strength of Lok Sabha (from 543 to 816), following a fresh delimitation exercise along with vertical quota providing reservation to women within SCs/STs categories was also considered.
Background
- As per Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Constitution (106th Amendment) Act), reservation was to come into effect after an exercise of delimitation undertaken post first census after enactment of this Act.
- However, waiting for 2027 Census could have delayed the rollout and hence basing the delimitation exercise on 2011 Census would ensure speedy implementation.
Other Key Provisions of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
- Enactment: 2023
- Reservation for Women: One-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi.
- Also applicable to seats reserved for SCs and STs.
- Rotation of seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as per law by Parliament.
- Proposes Insertion of New Articles:
- 330A: Reservation in Lok Sabha.
- 332A: Reservation in States Legislatives Assembly
- 239AA: Reservation in Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi.
