Parliament Special Session HIGHLIGHTS: Women's Quota Bill Clears Rajya Sabha Test, Set To Become Law

Parliament Special Session HIGHLIGHTS: Hello and welcome to Parliament Special Session live blog. Please follow this space for all the latest updates on the ongoing special session of the Parliament.

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.

21/09/2023 21:55:07

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. 

21/09/2023 21:50:59

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.

21/09/2023 21:21:20

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.

21/09/2023 21:14:25

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.

21/09/2023 20:37:22

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. 

21/09/2023 20:31:02

BJP Consistently Supportive Of Women Reservation: Sitharaman

"BJP has been consistently supportive of women reservation," Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha. 

21/09/2023 20:25:53

Delimitation Exercise Will Identify Number Of Seats To Be Reserved: Sitharaman

"Exercise of delimitation will be done for identifying the number of seats that are to be reserved for women in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies. The reservation will cease after 15 years of being implemented," Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha. 

21/09/2023 20:18:54

Important We Prepare For Economic, Social Empowerment Of Women: Sitharaman

"It is important we build consensus and prepare for economic and social empowerment of women," says Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

21/09/2023 20:14:20

Want To Credit PV Narasimha Rao Govt For 33% Women Reservation At Panchayat Level: Sitharaman

"I want to credit former PM PV Narasimha Rao's government for bringing 33 percent reservation at the panchayat level. As a result, we have seen a groundswell at panchayat level where reservation has been increased to 50 percent showing the contribution of women," says Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

21/09/2023 19:18:01

Women's Quota Implementation Can Take 15-20 Years: DMK's Kanimozhi

"We all thought it would be a golden moment because we thought it would be implemented as soon as possible but now we don't know. The implementation can take 10, 15 or 20 years because it has a lot of conditions," DMK MP Kanimozhi told ANI. 

21/09/2023 19:16:02

PM Modi Govt Doing What Congress Couldn't Do In 60 Years: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G.Kishan Reddy told ANI, "After the inauguration of the new Parliament building, we wanted to dedicate this building to women...This will be a historical building...To introduce this Bill on Ganesh Chaturthi was the government's decision...This is not from the point of view of elections... This is for giving respect to women... What the Congress government was not able to do in 60 years is happening under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi... I would like to congratulate everyone on this."

21/09/2023 18:20:23

Congress Demands Amendment For OBC Reservation Within 33% Women's Quota

Congress MPs Naseer Hussain, Neeraj Dangi, Amee Yajnik, Ranjeet Ranjan, Rajani Patil, Phulo Devi Netam, Rajmani Patel, Jebi Mather, Dr L. Hanumanthaiah moved amendment notices for OBC reservation for women within 33% and also for the immediate implementation of Women's Reservation in the present set up of seats, ANI quoted sources as saying. 

21/09/2023 18:02:04

Owaisi Demands Discussion On Women's Quota Bill Tomorrow

"Tomorrow is the last day of the Parliament and we demand a discussion should be held on the issue," AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI. 

21/09/2023 17:46:33

No One Should Criticise Women's Reservation Bill, Says Rijiju

"No one should criticise the Women's Reservation Bill. Everyone must support it... If Congress cannot bring the Bill and if the BJP under the leadership of PM Modi has the courage to bring the Bill, let's celebrate it," Union Minister Kiren Rijiju told ANI. 

21/09/2023 17:40:46

Once Women Actively Participate In Decision-Making, Benefits Will Reach The Grassroots: BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore

"It's a historic Bill and it's going to transform the country. Once women participate actively in decision-making at the political level, the benefits will reach the grassroot level," BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore told PTI. 

21/09/2023 17:37:07

This Period Of Time Will Be Known For Its Historic Work: BJP's Sukanta Majumdar

"This time period will be known for its historic works... Women will get rights, and their participation will increase in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha," BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar told ANI. 

21/09/2023 17:16:51

Moving Amendment To Guarantee Women's Quota In 2024, Says Congress's Deepender Hooda, Seeks Govt Support

"I am moving an amendment today. If it gets implemented, there will be a draw on 545 seats, and reservation can be implemented in 2024. We will appeal to the government to agree to this amendment," Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda told ANI. 

21/09/2023 17:06:32

Census Happens Every 10 Years, Don't Understand Delay In Women's Quota Implementation: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

"Why are they delaying it so much. It could have been implemented immediately. Why do we need to wait till 2024?... What's the problem, it should have been done immediately. It (census) was happening every ten years. It started in 1931, and this is the first time that it has been delayed. It is not good...But this (Women's Reservation) thing is nice, there will be some delay in the implementation but it will be good for women whenever it gets implemented," Bihar CM Nitish Kumar told ANI. 

21/09/2023 17:03:57

Everyone Knows How Decision On NRC, CAA Was Taken, Will Support Women's Quota If Govt Implements It: TMC's Dola Sen

"You must have seen how the decision on NPR, NRC, and CAA was taken. How the decision on the farmers' Bill was taken you had seen...For the first time in the history of the Parliament...I was suspended... We will welcome it (Women's Reservation Bill) if they implement it," TMC leader Dola Sen told ANI. 

21/09/2023 16:48:56

As Law Minister In Vajpayee Govt, I Had Introduced This Bill: AIADMK Leader Extends Support

"This is a historic Bill. In 1998-99, I was the Law Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. I introduced the Bill at that time. It is a very happy occasion for me and the AIADMK Party...Now the Modi Government has brought this Bill... AIADMK will support this Bill," AIADMK leader Thambi Durai told ANI. 

21/09/2023 16:35:21

Trying To Pass Women's Quota Bill With Common Consensus In Rajya Sabha: Congress's Deepender Hooda

"The BJP's intent in this is not clear... If the intent was women's empowerment, then it should have been implemented immediately... Earlier too, when the Bill was introduced in 2010 or 1979, the BJP opposed it... Today we are trying to pass this in Rajya Sabha with common consensus," Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda to ANI. 

21/09/2023 14:44:46

Parliament Special Session Live: '27 Years Of 'Vanvas' Ends: BJP Mahila Morcha Celebrates Introduction Of Women's Bill

"We thank PM Modi and all the Parliamentarians for the Women's Reservation Bill," says Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha President Richa Pandey.

"Today all the women of the country are happy, and the 27 years of 'vanvas' of the Bill has ended...  We hope that soon 33 per cent of women of the country will be seen in the Parliament," she adds.

21/09/2023 14:16:37

Parliament Special Session Live — You Are Responsible For Losing 9 Years Of Reservation For Women: CPI (M) MP Elamaram Kareem

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, CPI (M) MP Elamaram Kareem said, "You are responsible for losing nine years of reservations for women. Now you are claiming the Nari Shakti Bandhan Bill. Which nari, sir? Manipur nari, who are women? They are paraded naked on the road, gang-raped, and mercilessly butchered under the patronage of the BJP government. The wrestling stars were assaulted by the chairman of that committee."

21/09/2023 13:38:06

Rights Will Not Come In Category Of Charity, Says RJD MP Manoj Jha

RJD MP Manoj Jha said that the Constitution talks about rights. “What is happening to our vocabulary? Rights will not come in the category of charity,” Jha said.

As per the delimitation commission, we have 412 General seats, 84 SCs, and 47 STs. Now what we are doing with this bill is creating a one-third division in the 84 SC and 47 ST seats.

Every woman who moves ahead will face a lot of difficulties, especially women from backward classes. The vulnerability of women from backward classes is greater. No one is there for handholding.

 

21/09/2023 12:27:09

Parliament Special Session Live- Centre Should Learn From Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee: TMC

The govt should learn from Bengal CM Mamata Banerje how to empower women. She is the only woman CM in the country now, says TMC MP in Rajya Sabha Dola Sen. "She has launched several schemes for women like Kanyashree that provides financial help to the girls from disadvantaged families to pursue higher studies. Besides, the Mamata govt has provided 50% reservation for women at all levels of the three-tier panchayat system," she adds.

21/09/2023 12:17:54

Parliament Special Session Live- How Many OBC Secretaries In Govt Between 2004 and 2014

Nadda questions Congress on how many secretaries were from OBC during its tenure from 2004 to 2014. OBC reservation included in services in 199 and current secretaries are from batch before 1992, he adds. 

"BJP-led NDA gave first OBC PM to the country, we have 27 OBC ministers." 

"We have more OBC MPs than total MPs Congress has."  

21/09/2023 12:02:16

Parliament Special Session Live- We Have Always Seen Her As 'Shakti', 'Devi': Nadda

"Women always had an important role in the Indian culture. We have always seen her as 'Shakti', 'Devi' and someone who guides the society," says JP Nadda. 

21/09/2023 11:57:33

Parliament Special Session Live- If Bill Passes Today, We Will Have Elected Women MPs In 2029: Nadda

JP Nadda says if the women's reservation bill passes today then there will be elected women MPs under the quota in 2029. 

21/09/2023 11:28:02

Parliament Special Session Live- We Want Rights, Not An Object For Pity: Ranjeet Ranjan

Rajya Sabha Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan says, "we want rights, we are not an object for pity." Calls out Centre for inaction agaisnt Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.  

21/09/2023 11:16:54

Parliament Special Session Live: Arjun Ram Meghwal Moves Women's Reservation Bill In Rajya Sabha

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal moves the Women's Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha after receiving the nod from Lok Sabha. 

21/09/2023 11:07:35

Parliament Special Session Live: Some Reservations Regarding Implementation Of Women's Bill: RSP

"We all support the bill. There are some reservations regarding the implementation... If the government has the political will to implement it, this is not the way to bring the bill to the House. This will be applicable only after the census and the delimitation," says RSP MP NK Premachandran on Women's Reservation Bill

21/09/2023 10:46:48

Parliament Special Session Live: Implementation Of Women's Bill Still Far-Fetched, Says NCP MP

On the Women's Reservation Bill, NCP MP Fauzia Khan says, "I welcome this bill. We have been expecting it for the past 27 years...This bill has been passed in Lok Sabha and I hope will get passed in the Rajya Sabha as well. But when will it be implemented, this is the question...It is still a far-fetched dream for us, women..."

21/09/2023 10:39:56

Parliament Special Session Live- Women's Bill Will Still Not Be Implemented In Coming 20-25 Years: Sanjay Singh

"This bill was pending for 20-25 years and will still not be implemented in the coming 20-25 years...There is a deliberate clause inserted in this bill that, first a Census will be done then delimitation and then the reservation would be given. If you have the intention to give reservations to 33% women then you should implement it for the 2024 elections...This is not a bill for reservations for women but to make them fools...The true character of the BJP is anti-women...This bill is just an election 'jumla'," says Aam Aadmi Party Sanjay Singh. 

21/09/2023 10:35:48

Parliament Special Session Live: BJP's Goal Is To Not Implement Bill, Says Imran Pratapgarhi

The Congress government introduced this bill in 2010. This is our bill...The BJP's goal is to not implement the bill. The passing of the bill is one thing and implementation is another thing. This is just an election campaign...I am saying to this PM that you should not only give reservations to SCs, STs and OBCs but if you are so concerned for Muslim women. You should give them a reservation as well...This bill had to pass," says Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi. 

21/09/2023 09:44:27

Parliament Special Session Live: Women's Reservation Bill To Be Introduced In RS, Says Arjun Ram Meghwal

Women's Reservation Bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha today for passage, says Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.

21/09/2023 09:11:04

Parliament Special Session LIVE: BJD Issues Whip For Rajya Sabha MPs To Support Passage Of Women's Bill

BJD (Biju Janata Dal) has issued a three-line Whip to its Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in the House today and support the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill.

21/09/2023 07:46:33

Parliament Special Session LIVE: Owaisi-Led AIMIM Votes Against The Women's Reservation Bill In Lok Sabha

The lone opposition voice to the women's reservation bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday was All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi and his party colleague Imtiaz Jaleel who voted against the motion. Owaisi defended his opposition to the draft legislation saying that it does not provide for a sub-quota for Muslim and Other Backward Classes (OBC) women.

21/09/2023 07:35:12

Parliament Special Session LIVE: NCP Demands Discussion On India-Canada Diplomatic Row

During the discussion on women's reservation bill in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule demanded a discussion on the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row. "I stand on behalf of NCP in full support of this bill... There is another piece of information in today's newspaper which is about the incidents that happened in Canada.

"Since this is a special session only for five days, I request the government to debate a few topics which is equally relevant as today's. One is the Canada issue, the second is Maharashtra, Maratha, Dhangar, Lingayat and Muslim reservation," Sule said. 

21/09/2023 07:21:42

Parliament Special Session LIVE: Womens' Reservation Bill In RS Today After LS Passes It With Near Unanimity

The women's reservation bill will be tabled in Rajya Sabha today after it was passed in Lok Sabha with a brute majority of 454 votes.