On September 29, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Women’s Reservation Bill, days after its historic passing in both chambers of Parliament. The measure has become a law with her approval.
Following the President’s approval, the Bill has become an Act, according to a gazette announcement from the Indian government. “It shall come into force on such date as the central government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint,” it stated.
The bill, officially referred to as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aims to provide women a third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and all state legislatures. On September 20, the Act passed the Lok Sabha hurdle with 454 votes in support and 2 votes against it from MPs who demanded a sub-quota for women from minority and Other Backward Class (OBC) groups.
On September 21, the Rajya Sabha overwhelmingly approved the Bill, with 214 MPs voting in support.
Even with the President’s approval, it will take time for the new law to take effect because female candidates would only be allowed to run for seats in state legislatures and the Lok Sabha after the census and delimitation procedures.
While endorsing the Bill, the opposition has criticised the administration for putting the women’s quota into action right away.
“Some say the Bill does not have OBC or Muslim reservation. Will the reservation be implemented early, if you do not support the Bill? Then too it will be implemented only after 2029. Support the Bill… Make a start at least,” Amit Shah, Home Minister added pointing out at the opposition.
