Women's Reservation: Rajya Sabha Unanimously Passes Landmark Bill As India Scripts History

India scripted history in the newly constructed parliament as Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the women’s reservation bill, a day after it was cleared in Lok Sabha by an overwhelming majority. The motion for the Bill, which provides for 33 percent reservation for women in the Lower House and state assemblies, was adopted in the Upper House with 215 MPs voting in its favour and none against.

The Bill, which is now on its way to the President of India, will become an Act once ratified by her and be inserted into the Constitution as a new article – 334A. The voting on the Bill in Rajya Sabha was held after an 11-hour debate even as all members, cutting across party lines, supported it even as some opposition members called it an election gimmick.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked all members and political parties for supporting the bill, saying they have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing nari shakti. He thanked every leader present in the House for the detailed discussion on the Bill.

“There has been a detailed discussion on the bill. I thank every leader present in the House for the discussion on the Bill. This 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,” he said.

Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress and all INDIA bloc parties extend their “wholehearted” support to the women’s reservation bill. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have also demanded immediate implementation of the bill as well as OBC quota within the 33 percent reservation.

When it comes to the Bill, however, there are two major caveats: a census has to be held, and only after that can the redrawing of constituencies take place, which is called delimitation. Both conditions are so far unfulfilled and can take years. This is why, during the debate on the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill, members also highlighted the need to accelerate the process instead of waiting for a fresh census and delimitation exercise.

Article 334A states that the reservation shall come into effect after the delimitation is undertaken after relevant figures for the first census have been published. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who spoke during the debate, also explained the conditions that have to be fulfilled before the women’s reservation in parliament and state assemblies can be implemented.

“As far as the implementation of the proposed reservation for women… After the Bill is enacted and after the Bill comes into operation…Whenever the first census takes place and the relevant figures for that census are published, a fresh delimitation exercise shall be undertaken…” she said.

Among those who were quick to offer their congratulations were union home minister Amit Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda. Shah posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying “where there is a will there is a way”. He said a long-pending demand had been fulfilled and Prime Minister Modi had sent a strong message of gender equality and inclusive governance across the world.

Nadda, meanwhile, said there could not have been a better start for the new Parliament building but with the passage of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ by both houses. He said the country has moved towards providing a “long-pending right to our women”.

‘Defining moment in democratic journey’: PM Modi’s detailed message

The prime minister sent out his congratulatory message through his WhatsApp channel saying this was a “defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey”. In this message, too, he thanked all members of the Rajya Sabha who voted for the women’s reservation bill and said the 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,” he said in his message.

He added: “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.”