Constitution(One Hundred and Sixth)Amendment Act 2023
Main Issues:
Link to Delimitation: The bill's enactment is contingent on a periodical delimitation exercise, which adjusts the territorial boundaries of constituencies.
This procedural requirement could postpone the quota's activation for years.
2031 Census: According to the current guidelines, the delimitation process is aligned with the decadal Census.
Given that the next Census has been delayed and is expected post-2024, the quota may not be implemented until the 2031 Census figures are available.
Sub-Quota Debate: Some parties demand a sub-quota for women from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslim communities, who are under-represented.
This adds another layer of complexity to the legislative process.
Timeline:
The Census and delimitation are expected to occur post the 2024 general elections, meaning that the implementation of the reservation might not take place until after that.
Political History:
This isn't the first attempt at passing such a bill. Previous efforts began in 1996 but faltered due to opposition and lapsed with the dissolution of the respective Lok Sabhas.
Social Impact:
Various studies suggest that increased female participation in politics can significantly influence policy-making, particularly in areas directly relevant to women.
The bill has garnered the necessary votes and is now awaiting the President's assent to become law. However, these are the critical issues that could influence its timely and effective implementation.
