Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has called for the prompt enforcement of a 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, opposing any connection of the measure with delimitation. Haasan emphasized the need for immediate implementation of the quota within the current Lok Sabha and State legislatures’ strength, without waiting for delimitation.
Haasan supported extending the freeze on delimitation until 2051, suggesting that this would provide states with ample time to achieve population stabilization through significant reforms. He stressed the importance of factors like quality education, healthcare, and equal employment opportunities for women in maintaining long-term demographic balance.
Highlighting concerns about regional disparities, Haasan warned that linking women’s reservation with delimitation could impact India’s federal structure. He cautioned that states like Tamil Nadu, which have focused on population control and women-centric development, might face disadvantages in political representation if delimitation solely considers population.
Haasan urged the Union government to hold a special session of Parliament post the ongoing Assembly elections to pass the proposed Bill swiftly. He also proposed that the Centre introduce its legislation to ensure the immediate implementation of women’s reservation.
