Hyderabad: In the heart of rural India, Rikhuli Devi stands as a symbol of a paradox. Twice elected as the head of her Panchayat, she should represent the pinnacle of women's empowerment in grassroots politics. Yet, the reality is starkly different. Her husband, despite her electoral victories, effectively wields the power of the Sarpanch. Rikhuli's predicament reflects a persistent issue in the country despite nearly three decades of women's reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions: women representatives continue to be marginalized. The Women Reservation Bill, a topic of discussion for nearly a decade, is once again in the spotlight. However, it raises questions about whether this legislation will genuinely transform the political landscape or remain a mere token gesture in the fight against gender bias and patriarchal norms in politics.
The Bill's Impact
If the Women Reservation Bill is eventually passed, it won't take effect in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nonetheless, when implemented, it will significantly increase the representation of women in the Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, aiming for a 33.33 percent quota. Presently, the Lok Sabha, comprising 543 MPs, would see the number of women MPs increase to 181. This increase is not limited to general seats; it extends to SC-ST women, who will also have a share in the reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Currently, there are 84 reserved seats for SC and 47 for ST in the Lok Sabha. After the implementation of the women's reservation, 44 of these 131 seats will be reserved for SC-ST women. The remaining 362 seats will be open to both men and women. However, it's crucial to note that this law will only apply to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, while Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council will remain unaffected.
A Reflection on Political Parties
The debate on the Women Reservation Bill is not just about legislation but also a mirror reflecting the state of politics in India. Women's representation in politics has been stagnant despite the considerable progress women have made in various fields. India's political landscape remains male-dominated, and traditional patriarchal norms continue to influence decision-making. The introduction of one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions in 1993 was a step forward, but the persistence of the "Sarpanch Pati" system demonstrates the gap between theory and practice. Many instances exist where women won elections but had little real authority. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of such a system.
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Political parties in India have rarely taken a strong stance against this system, which has perpetuated gender inequality. The Women Reservation Bill represents a unique opportunity for political parties to advocate for gender parity in politics. Today, it seems that every political party has become a vocal supporter of women's empowerment, but the reality is quite different. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, only 14 percent of the total 543 seats were occupied by women, with 78 women MPs making it to Parliament. State assemblies present a similar picture, with women's representation often falling below 10 percent. Even when it reaches 15 percent, it's still a far cry from genuine gender balance.
