Consider the following statement about the "Women's Reservation Act 2023":

1. Provides 33 percent reservation to women in state assemblies and the Lok Sabha.

2. It is related to the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution.

3. Through this act, a reservation will be provided for the next 10 years, which can be extended in the future.

4. Article 330A is inserted through this amendment

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct option is A

​The correct answer is (a) Statement 1,2, and 4

Explanation:

The Women's Reservation Act 2023 is associated with the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act.

• Reserves one-third (33%) of seats for women in:
• Lok Sabha
• State Legislative Assemblies
• Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi
• Includes reservation within SC/ST seats.
• The reservation will be implemented after the publication of the next census and subsequent delimitation.
• Valid for 15 years from the date of implementation, extendable by Parliamentary action.
• Rotation of seats will be determined by a law made by Parliament after each delimitation.
• The new Article 330A has been inserted into the Constitution to enable reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Information Booster:

International Backing

• India is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979, which urges equal participation in political and public life.

Legislative Journey of Women’s Reservation Bill

• Proposed multiple times: 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008.
• All previous Bills lapsed due to the Lok Sabha dissolution before enactment.
• 1996 Bill: Examined by the Joint Committee headed by Geeta Mukherjee.
• 2008 Bill: Passed by Rajya Sabha, but lapsed after the 15th Lok Sabha was dissolved.
• Triple Test required for implementation (as laid down by the Supreme Court).

Key Committee Recommendations & Reports

1. Committee on the Status of Women in India (CSWI), 1971

• Established ahead of International Women’s Year (1975).
• Published the “Towards Equality” report.
• Highlighted the state’s failure to ensure gender equality.
• Pushed for women’s reservations in local bodies.

2. Margaret Alva Committee (1987)

• Proposed National Perspective Plan for Women (1988–2000).
• Recommended reservation for women in elected bodies.
• Influenced the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992:
• Mandated 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies.
• Several states later raised this to 50%.

3. Geeta Mukherjee Committee (1996)

• Examined the 81st Constitutional Amendment Bill.
• Supported women’s reservation but noted no provision for OBC women.
• Recommended considering OBC reservation for women in future.

4. Committee on the Status of Women (2013)

• Formed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Recommended 50% reservation for women in:   Local bodies, State legislatures, Parliament, Ministerial posts, All government decision-making bodies