LIVE: RS passes Bill to reserve 33% of seats for women in LS, Assemblies
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 "View of the Rajya Sabha during division for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the special session of the Parliament")
View of the Rajya Sabha during division for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the special session of the Parliament (Photo: PTI)
The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the historic Bill that will reserve one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, following thorough debate among MPs across party lines. The Bill was passed with majority voting by all the members of the House: 215 votes in favour and no one against it. Concluding the discussion on the Bill — the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country. It also shows the positive thinking of all the political parties which will give new energy to women’s empowerment.”
Clearing the decks for the landmark legislation, the Lower House Wednesday passed the women’s reservation Bill with near unanimity: 454 votes in favour and two from the AIMIM against it. Wrapping up a discussion on the Bill, Union Home Minister Shah had assured the Lower House of a “transparent process” to identify seats to be reserved for women.
Parliament Special Session News Live: "Exercise of delimitation will be done to identify the number of seats to be reserved for women in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies. The reservation will cease after 15 years of being implemented," Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha on Women's Reservation Bill. She further said that the Bill provides for reservation and rotation of seats. "One particular feature of the bill that I want to point out is that this bill provides for reservation and rotation of seats," says Nirmala Sitharaman. “After the Bill is enacted, and comes into operation, and thereafter that, the first Census takes place, and the relevant figures for that Census are published, a fresh delimitation exercise shall be undertaken,” she said.
The Bill on 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies enters Rajya Sabha Thursday and is set to sail through given how different the Upper House is 13 years on. For one, the SP, one of the architects of the opposition to the Bill in 2010, has changed its stand, reports Indian Express
As the women's reservation bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, marking a legislative landmark for the country, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha, one of the key advocates for a legislation providing a fairer representation of women in law-making bodies, on Wednesday called it a major step in ensuring stronger and more significant participation of women in the political process. However, while hailing the passage of the women's quota Bill, she added that the exclusion of an "OBC sub-quota" from the draft legislation was "painful"
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that women empowerment was not a political issue for the BJP but an idea that is intrinsic to its work culture. Shah made the remarks during a debate on the draft women's reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill, which proposes 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, was passed with a brute majority in the Lower House on Wednesday.
10:58 PM
Congratulations to 140 crore Indians, tweets PM Modi
A defining moment in our nation's democratic journey! Congratulations to 140 crore Indians. I thank all the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such unanimous support is indeed gladdening. With the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament, we usher in an era of stronger representation and empowerment for the women of India. This is not merely a legislation; it is a tribute to the countless women who have made our nation. India has been enriched by their resilience and contributions. As we celebrate today, we are reminded of the strength, courage, and indomitable spirit of all the women of our nation. This historic step is a commitment to ensuring their voices are heard even more effectively," posts PM Narendra Modi.
10:29 PM
Rajya Sabha passes Women's Reservation Bill
Rajya Sabha passes Women's Reservation Bill; 215 MPs vote in favour and 0 MPs vote against.
10:06 PM
Why are you not including OBC women, asks Kharge
"I'm not opposing this bill, but I'm asking why are you not including women of backward classes? Do you want them to fall behind? More than 60% of the country's population belongs to OBCs," says Kharge.
10:04 PM
This bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country: PM
On Women's Reservation Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Rajya Sabha, "This bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country. All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing 'Nari Shakti'. Let us give the country a strong message."
8:53 PM
I'm beneficiary of BJP's 33% reservation for women in cadre posts, says FM
"In 2008 BJP amended its constitution to provide 33% reservation to women in its cadre posts as well. I am one of the beneficiaries of this reservation for women," said Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha
8:47 PM
In women-related matters, BJP does not play any politics, says FM
"In women-related matters, we (BJP) do not play any politics. It is an article of faith for the PM and therefore we do everything that we have done whether it is Article 370, triple talaq, or women's reservation bill," says Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
8:46 PM
Want to credit PV Narasimha Rao's govt for bringing 33% quota at panchayat level, says FM
"I want to credit former PM PV Narasimha Rao's government for bringing 33 percent reservation at the panchayat level. As a result, we have seen a ground swell at panchayat level where reservation has been increased to 50 percent at several panchayats showing the contribution of women. It is important we build consensus and prepare for economic and social empowerment of women," says Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.
8:46 PM
Fresh delimitation exercise shall be undertaken after Census, says FM
“After the Bill is enacted, and comes into operation, and thereafter that, the first Census takes place, and the relevant figures for that Census are published, a fresh delimitation exercise shall be undertaken,” says Sitharaman.
8:18 PM
Bill provides for reservation and rotation of seats, says FM
"One particular feature of the bill that I want to point out is that this bill provides for reservation and rotation of seats," says Nirmala Sitharaman.
8:18 PM
Bill thoughtfully crafted, says Nirmala Sitharaman
"The bill has been very thoughtfully crafted considering that we are at a very critical stage of our development process, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says in Rajya Sabha
8:17 PM
Bill ‘long overdue’, says FM
“This is long overdue. People are questioning why it took nine years to bring this bill. We wanted to make sure that we were committed for holistic development of women. There have been several events to provide dignity, houses, toilets to women. This reservation will provide reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies,” Nirmala Sitharaman said.
8:03 PM
Govt should bring quota for women in executive and judiciary too, says Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
Parliament Special Session News Live: "I kindly request the government to bring in reservation for women in the Executive as well the Judiciary also. After 75 years of independence, we still haven't had a woman Chief Justice of India. There are very few women judges in High Courts and the #SupremeCourt," said PMK's Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.
6:10 PM
We demand a discussion should be held on the issue: AIMIM Chief
5:51 PM
No one should criticise the Women's Reservation Bill: Rijiju
3:02 PM
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik says BJD strongly supports Women Reservation Bill
Ruling BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said his party strongly supported the Women Reservation Bill tabled in Parliament. "As you know, my party has always promoted the Women Reservation Bill in the Assembly and elsewhere. I hope it will be passed shortly," Patnaik told reporters. Earlier, the BJD had issued a three-line whip for its Rajya Sabha MPs to remain present in the House and support the passage of the Bill
Topics : Amit Shah Parliament Women's Reservation Bill Lok Sabha Rajya Sabha BJP OBC quota Constitution Indian constitution
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First Published: Sep 21 2023 | 7:53 AM IST
