The Women's Reservation Bill, which was approved by the Lok Sabha yesterday, September 20, will be presented today in the Rajya Sabha during the Day 4 proceedings of the special parliamentary session.
Lower House Passes Bill
The Lok Sabha overwhelmingly approved the historic bill, referred as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This legislation aims to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. This decision was made despite opposition calls to extend similar benefits to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and implement the measure before next year's upcoming general elections.
The bill garnered an impressive 454 votes in favour and only two votes against it. It is scheduled for presentation in the Upper House today, where it is likely to receive approval.
During the day-long debate on the bill, there was a dispute over which political party, Congress or BJP, should be credited with introducing this groundbreaking legislation. The Opposition and the government also discussed its implementation and the possibility of a separate quota for OBC women.
PM Thank His Colleagues
PM Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, after the Bill was passed in Lok Sabha and wrote, "I am elated by the approval of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha, receiving such outstanding support. My sincere thanks go out to MPs from various political parties who voted in favour of this bill."
"The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam represents a momentous legislative milestone that will further amplify women's empowerment and facilitate even greater female participation in our political processes. This will provide an unparalleled impetus to development led by women. The overwhelming support it has garnered from all political parties signifies a significant step toward realising the vision of a developed and self-reliant India," he wrote further.
While welcoming the move, Home Minister Amit Shah wrote, "Today marks a historic moment for our nation as the Lok Sabha passes the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.' The bill envisioned by PM @narendramodi Ji will not only create a new era in women's empowerment but also promote fair and gender-inclusive progress in our country. Once again, it underscores the Modi government's dedication to governance led by women."
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