Parliament Special Session HIGHLIGHTS: Women's Quota Bill Clears Rajya Sabha Test, Set To Become Law
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Background
Parliament Special Session HIGHLIGHTS: The special session of Parliament was convened from September 18 to 22, 2023.
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha unanimously approved the Women's Reservation Bill, paving the way for a 33 percent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's comprehensive explanation of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, led to its successful passage.
During the division, an overwhelming 454 members voted in favor of the legislation, with just two members opposing it. The proposed amendments put forth by the Opposition were rejected, and voting took place on various clauses of the bill. Speaker Om Birla announced the bill's successful passage.
Following its approval in the Lok Sabha, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 is now set to be considered by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
It is noteworthy that in 2010, the Rajya Sabha had previously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill during the Congress-led UPA government. However, it was not considered in the Lok Sabha and subsequently lapsed in the lower House of Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Rajya Sabha to unanimously pass the women's reservation bill when it comes before the Upper House, emphasizing the importance of 'narishakti' (women power) in nation-building. Once approved by the Lok Sabha, the bill, named Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, will be presented to the Rajya Sabha for consideration.
During his first address in the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Modi described the occasion as historic and memorable. He emphasized the role of the Rajya Sabha as the Upper House of Parliament and the need for it to be a center for intellectual discussions that transcend political discourse and guide the nation's direction.
Modi emphasised the importance of meeting goals on time, acknowledging that the nation is no longer willing to wait. He advocated for a new approach and mindset in order to meet people's expectations and broaden the scope of work and thought processes. The Prime Minister also lauded his government's accomplishments in resolving long-standing issues, crediting the members' maturity and intellect for these achievements.
Modi, quoting Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, emphasised that the Parliament is not only a legislative body, but also a deliberative one, emphasising the importance of informed and thoughtful debate in national governance.
PM Modi Thanks MPs For Discussion On Women's Quota Bill
"This Bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country. All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing 'Nari Shakti'. Let us give the country a strong message," PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha.
PM Modi Requests MPs To Vote In Favour Of Women's Quota Bill
"When elections take place, I request you that it is the Rajya Sabha and the discussions have also been fruitful. I request you to vote in support of the Bill," says PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha.
Women's Quota Bill Shouldn't Be Another 'Jumla' Of Govt: Kharge In Rajya Sabha
"We are giving our unconditional support to the Bill and it will be passed (in Rajya Sabha) but make sure this doesn't turn into an election 'jumla'," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha.
I.N.D.I.A Heartily Supports Women's Quota Bill, Says Mallikarjun Kharge In Rajya Sabha
"I stand in support of this Bill. My party and I.N.D.I.A wholeheartedly support this Bill," Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha.
BJP Doesn't Do Politics Over Women-Related Matters: Sitharaman
"In women-related matters, we (BJP) do not play any politics. It is an article of faith for the PM and therefore we do everything that we have done whether it is Article 370, triple talaq, or women's reservation Bill," says Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha.