Gujarat Women and Child Development Minister Manisha Vakil emphasized the need for 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. She mentioned that discussions on the implementation framework of the Women’s Reservation Bill would take place during the upcoming special parliamentary session starting April 16. Vakil highlighted the importance of enhancing women’s participation in governance through effective implementation of the proposed legislation.
The Minister stressed that women, constituting almost half of India’s population, deserve adequate representation in elected institutions. She urged for the allocation of 33% reservation for women, emphasizing the participation of all political parties in the forthcoming discussions in Parliament. Vakil recalled that the proposal for women’s reservation had been under consideration since 2023 when it was first introduced, with various political parties expressing their views on the matter.
Vakil anticipated significant sessions on April 16, 17, and 18 focusing on women’s political representation. She expressed optimism that the proposed structural framework for the Lok Sabha would bring positive changes for women and empower them in decision-making roles. The Minister highlighted the increasing presence of women in various fields and believed that their involvement in governance would be further strengthened through legislative provisions.
The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill would follow a defined constitutional process and timeline, aligning with future electoral exercises. Vakil indicated that the reservation would come into effect after completing the necessary procedural steps. The legislation, as per the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, aims to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, with additional reservation for women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
