Women's Reservation Bill Implementation Debate
Why in news?
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Congress leaders have questioned the BJP government's delay in operationalizing the Women's Reservation Bill, passed in 2023, alleging political motives. The issue has resurfaced with discussions during PM Modi's visit to Karnataka.
Key points
- The Women's Reservation Bill, passed in 2023, aims to provide 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State legislatures.
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah questioned the delay in implementation, suggesting a lack of sincerity from the BJP government.
- Congress leaders criticized the government, stating the agenda is 'Modi preservation' rather than women's reservation, and demanded immediate implementation.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly inquired about Karnataka CM's stand on women's reservation during a recent meeting.
Background & context
The Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, commonly known as the Women's Reservation Bill, has been a subject of debate for decades. Various governments have tried to pass it, aiming to increase women's political representation.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Women's Reservation Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in September 2023.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Society - Role of women and women’s organizations, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies. GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these.