UPSC GS 2 Model Answer: Women’s Reservation in India

“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Women constitute nearly half of India’s population, but historical patriarchy and their limited presence in decision-making have created a need for affirmative action. Article 15(3) therefore allows the State to make special provisions for women.

Evolution of Women’s Reservation

• Grassroots beginning – 1992: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments introduced at least one-third reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities through Articles 243D and 243T. Several States, including Bihar, later increased it to 50%.
• Political empowerment: Local reservation brought a large number of women into public life and created a leadership base for higher political participation.
• Substantive participation: Women representatives have increasingly raised issues such as health, education, sanitation and drinking water, bringing women’s concerns into local governance.
• Parliamentary journey: The demand for reservation in legislatures continued for decades. The 108th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2008 was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but could not become law.
• Constitutional breakthrough – 2023: The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) provides one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and Delhi Assembly, subject to the prescribed census and delimitation process.
• Continuing challenges: Proxy representation, patriarchal attitudes, limited political experience and inadequate resources can restrict the effective participation of elected women.

Conclusion

Thus, women’s reservation has moved from representation at the grassroots to constitutional recognition at the highest legislative level. Its real success will depend on converting numerical representation into meaningful political voice and decision-making power.