On September 21, 2023, history was made in New Delhi as the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill of 2023 received unanimous approval in the Rajya Sabha. This landmark legislation, officially titled ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023,’ signifies a significant turning point in India’s political landscape. It proposes to reserve one-third of seats in both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies for women, amounting to 33%.
Earlier on Wednesday, this pivotal amendment had garnered a decisive two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. Now, with the Rajya Sabha’s unanimous endorsement, this transformative bill has successfully cleared both houses of Parliament. This monumental achievement represents a giant stride toward achieving gender equality in India’s legislative bodies and marks a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history.
The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill also holds the distinction of being the first law enacted in the new Parliament building. In the Upper House, it received unanimous approval with 214 votes in favour and none against, under the vigilant eye of Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. This achievement serves as the culmination of a special session, underscoring the paramount importance of gender equality in Indian politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the passage of the women’s quota bill, hailing it as a “defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey.” He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all Rajya Sabha members who supported the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. In a message posted on WhatsApp Channels, PM Modi extended his congratulations to the 140 crore Indians and thanked the Rajya Sabha MPs for their unanimous support. He underscored the legislation’s significance in ensuring stronger representation and empowerment for women in India, paying tribute to the unwavering determination and contributions of countless women who have enriched the nation. PM Modi emphasized that this historic step represents a commitment to guaranteeing an effective representation of women’s voices in the nation’s decision-making processes.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, known as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ seeks to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Delhi assembly. It’s important to note that this quota does not apply to the Rajya Sabha or state Legislative Councils. The implementation of these seat reservations will take place following the delimitation process after the publication of relevant figures from the first census.
In the Lok Sabha, the bill garnered overwhelming support, with 454 members in favour and only two opposing it. However, in the Rajya Sabha, it passed unanimously, marking a historic milestone. After languishing for over 25 years, this bill was finally passed during a special session of Parliament.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the bill’s passage, declaring, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” He hailed it as a historic milestone on the path to equitable governance and commended Prime Minister Modi for sending a powerful message of gender equality and inclusive governance to the world. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Modi Ji and congratulated every citizen on this significant achievement.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the importance of building consensus for the economic and social empowerment of women. Responding to criticism about the timing of the bill’s introduction after nine years, she pointed out that the government has implemented various schemes for the socio-economic empowerment of women since 2014. Sitharaman highlighted key initiatives, including the distribution of over 9 crore gas connections under Ujjwala, the construction of 11.72 crore toilets, and the Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao Yojana aimed at achieving gender balance, among others.
She also mentioned the government’s efforts to provide more opportunities for women, such as reservations for women constables in the Central Armed Police Forces and increased access for women in institutions like the National Defence Academy and Sainik Schools. These measures collectively reflect the government’s dedication to advancing the status and opportunities of women in India.
Nirmala Sitharaman further connected women’s empowerment to significant policy changes, including the revocation of Article 370 and the criminalisation of instant triple talaq. She emphasised that the government’s focus has always been on justice for women rather than appeasement.
Regarding reservations in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman explained that it is not feasible since its members are not directly elected. She also addressed questions about the special session, stating that it was meant to inaugurate the new parliamentary building with the passage of this important legislation. She expressed gratitude to members from various political parties for their support in this endeavour.
In response to criticism from Congress member K C Venugopal about senior BJP leaders opposing the Constitutional Amendment of 1989 for women’s quota in local bodies, Sitharaman noted that opposition to the amendment was not limited to one party. She highlighted that several regional leaders, including M Karunanidhi, Jyoti Basu, and N T Rama Rao, had also opposed it, as they believed it could encroach upon states’ powers.