Question

What is the status of representation of women in the legislatures of India? The status of women’s representation in the legislatures of India is a significant issue in the context of gender equality and political empowerment. Despite progress in other areas, the political participation of women has remained relatively low in India. The representation of women in the Indian Parliament and state legislatures has been a matter of concern, as it affects the formulation of policies and laws that directly impact the lives of women and other marginalized groups.

Answer 1

Answer: The representation of women in Indian legislatures has historically been low, though there has been gradual progress in recent years. Women remain underrepresented in both the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies, raising concerns about gender equality in politics.

Detailed Explanation

• In the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament):
  • Women currently constitute around 14–15% of the total members, which is the highest so far but still significantly lower than global averages.
  • Historically, women’s representation was less than 10% in most Lok Sabhas until recent decades.
• In the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament):
  • Women’s representation stands at about 12–13%.
  • This shows only a marginal improvement over time, with male dominance continuing in upper house politics.
• In State Legislative Assemblies:
  • On average, women’s representation is less than 10% in most states.
  • Some states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and West Bengal have slightly higher percentages due to proactive measures and political will.
• At the Local Level (Panchayati Raj):
  • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) mandated 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
  • This has led to substantial participation of women in grassroots governance, often exceeding the reserved quota.
• Women’s Reservation Bill:
  • The long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill (passed in 2023 as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) proposes 33% reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
  • This is expected to bring a transformative change in women’s political representation once implemented after delimitation.

Conclusion

While women’s representation in Indian legislatures has improved slightly, it remains far from adequate. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a landmark step towards ensuring greater gender equality in political decision-making. Until then, India continues to face challenges in bridging the gap between constitutional ideals of equality and actual representation in governance.