Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the need for amendments to the Women’s Reservation Bill to avoid delays caused by disruptions in the Census and delimitation schedule. He highlighted that the 2011 Census figures would be utilized to expedite the process, ensuring that women’s reservation becomes effective in the 2029 general elections. Fadnavis expressed confidence that these changes would significantly boost women’s representation in Parliament and state legislatures.
Some opposition parties, while claiming to support the reservation law, were accused by the Chief Minister of hindering delimitation, which is crucial for the implementation of women’s reservation. Fadnavis noted that the reservation policy, offering a 33 percent quota, could potentially lead to nearly 40 percent female representation in the next Lok Sabha. He stressed the importance of empowering capable women officers who had previously been denied opportunities, citing examples of women officials who have excelled in various high-ranking positions under the current government in Maharashtra.
