The Women’s Reservation Bill aims to enhance women’s political representation by reserving one-third seats in legislatures, marking a historic milestone for gender equality in Indian democracy.

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• The Women’s Reservation Bill, officially the Constitution (128th Amendment) Act, 2023, provides 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

• The bill was passed by Parliament in September 2023, becoming the first legislation approved in India’s newly inaugurated Parliament building.

• Women’s reservation will be implemented after the next delimitation exercise, which is linked to Census data and currently deferred until after 2026.

• One-third reservation will also apply within existing Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe reserved seats to ensure inclusive political representation.

• The reservation will operate on a rotational basis and remain in force for a period of 15 years from the date of implementation.

• The bill does not extend reservation to Rajya Sabha and state legislative councils, which has attracted criticism regarding incomplete gender representation.

• Supporters argue the legislation strengthens women’s leadership, political participation, and gender-sensitive policymaking at the highest decision-making levels.

• Critics point to delayed implementation, risks of tokenism, and lack of intersectional focus as challenges requiring supportive reforms beyond legislative quotas.