Women’s Reservation Bill is imperative for our nation: NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma

New Delhi [India], September 21 (ANI): A day after the Women’s Reservation bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha, National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma on Thursday said that the Bill is a historic imperative for our nation.

“The Women’s Reservation Bill is a historic imperative for our nation. It’s not just about political representation; it’s about correcting a long-standing injustice. Women make up half of our population, and yet their participation in decision-making remains disproportionately low,” Rekha Sharma said. 

She further said, “Passing this Bill is not just a matter of political will; it’s a matter of ensuring true gender equality in our democracy. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to governance, and their voices must be heard at all levels of leadership. It’s time to move beyond the legislative limbo and pass this Bill, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive India.” 

“The necessity of this bill lies in its potential to address the chronic gender imbalance in Indian politics, providing a platform for women to actively participate in shaping policies that impact their lives. By reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women, including those from marginalized communities, the Bill promotes diversity and ensures that women’s concerns are at the forefront of political discourse,” she added. 

Moreover, the provision for seats to cease after 15 years encourages a gradual but transformative shift towards gender parity. Passing this bill would be a significant step towards a more equitable and inclusive democracy in India, she said.

She further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed towards gender equality and giving equal opportunities to women.

PM Modi started from ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Badhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Ujjwala Scheme, Mahima Shakti Kendra and now reservation for women shows he is committed towards gender equality and giving equal opportunities to women, Sharma said.

The Lok Sabha scripted history on Wednesday as it passed the Bill reserving a third or 33 per cent of seats for women in national and state legislatures with an overwhelming majority.

The Bill seeks to grant one-third of its seats to women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ is the first bill passed by Lok Sabha during the special session after it shifted to the new Parliament building on Tuesday.

The Rajya Sabha had earlier passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2010 during the Congress-led UPA government but it was not taken up in the Lok Sabha and subsequently lapsed in the lower House of Parliament.