The Women's Reservation Act 2023, passed by Parliament in September, mandates 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. However, its implementation depends on delimitation exercises and constitutional amendments that may take several years.
The Women's Reservation Act represents a landmark legislation in Indian democracy, aiming to enhance women's political participation. The Act amends Articles 239AA, 330, and 332 of the Constitution to provide reservation. However, implementation is complex as it requires fresh delimitation of constituencies based on the upcoming census. Delimitation is the process of redrawing electoral constituency boundaries to ensure equal representation. The last delimitation was completed in 2008 based on the 2001 census. The Act includes provisions for rotation of reserved seats to prevent any constituency from remaining perpetually reserved. Sub-reservation ensures adequate representation for SC/ST women within the broader women's quota. Critics argue the delay in implementation reduces the Act's immediate impact, while supporters emphasize the need for proper planning. International experiences from countries like Rwanda and Bolivia show that legislative quotas can significantly increase women's political representation, though success depends on implementation mechanisms and broader socio-political factors.
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