Arunachal CM Pema Khandu hails Women's Reservation Bill as a landmark reform

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu voiced his resounding support for the Women's Reservation Bill, lauding it as a monumental step towards empowering women in India's political landscape. Speaking to reporters on September 20, Khandu commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leaders for championing this transformative legislation.

The bill, which was tabled on September 19, has sparked heated discussions and debates in the parliament. Chief Minister Khandu expressed optimism that it would pass during the ongoing discussions, paving the way for a historic shift in policy-making and governance. He declared, "Once this bill is passed, with 33 percent women's representation in the decision-making body, we will witness a remarkable reform in our democratic process."

Khandu stated the role women play in India, noting their substantial contributions across various domains. In Arunachal Pradesh, a tribal society, women have consistently taken the lead in societal contributions. They are not only exceptional homemakers but also actively engage in community-building efforts.

Arunachal Pradesh has already set a remarkable example by exceeding the 33 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, raising it to an impressive 50 percent. The Chief Minister highlighted the success of women-led self-help groups, acknowledging their significant impact in the state.

He expressed  confidence that if the Women's Reservation Bill becomes law, Arunachal Pradesh will undergo a transformation in the coming years, further advancing the role of women in governance and policymaking.

The Women's Reservation Bill 2023 proposes a 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It also extends similar reservation within the seats designated for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The bill envisions a 15-year tenure for this reservation, with seats for women to be rotated after each delimitation exercise.

For the bill to become law, it must secure approval from both houses of Parliament by a special majority. Additionally, in accordance with Article 368, the Constitution Amendment Bill necessitates ratification by at least 50 percent of the states, as it pertains to their rights.

Meanwhile, in the midst of parliamentary deliberations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced his support for the Women's Reservation Bill but underscored its incompleteness. He asserted the need to include reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) women to ensure a comprehensive and equitable representation of all sections of society. "In my view, it is incomplete without reservation for OBC women," he stated.