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| Session of the Indian House of Representatives on September 19. (Source: The Hindu) |
After being approved by the government, on September 19, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal presented the bill in the ongoing special session of the Parliament.
The bill, which is considered a major step towards gender equality and inclusive governance, was first introduced in 1996 but has remained stagnant to this day. In fact, the bill was passed by the Indian Senate in 2010 but this is the first time it has been considered in the House of Commons.
The government said the enactment of the bill would facilitate greater participation of women in policy-making at the State and federal levels.
Notably, this is the first bill to be introduced in the new Parliament building of the country of the Ganges.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly called it a “historic day” as at the new Parliament building, “as the first proceedings of the House, the beginning of all parliamentarians opening the doors to women’s power is being taken with this momentous decision.”
Prime Minister Modi said his government was "bringing a major constitutional amendment bill" to implement "our resolve for women-led development".
Claiming that the bill, dubbed “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” would “reinvigorate our democracy,” the Indian leader urged “lawmakers to support the bill.”
“We want more and more women to participate in the country's development,” Mr. Modi affirmed.
Women now make up nearly half of India's 950 million registered voters but make up just 15% of the federal parliament and about 10% of state legislatures.
The bill, if passed, will be in effect for 15 years. Accordingly, as calculated by Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the number of female MPs in the Lower House will increase to 181 from the current 82.
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