The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, published on 29th September, 2023, brings significant changes to the Indian Constitution, particularly addressing gender representation in legislative bodies.
The amendment mandates the reservation of one-third of seats for women in various crucial forums, including the the House of the People (Lok Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This reservation extends to women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, ensuring a more inclusive representation.
Additionally, the amendment introduces a provision for the rotation of these reserved seats after each subsequent delimitation exercise. This rotational system aims to diversify representation and prevent the entrenchment of power in specific regions, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive participation across various geographical areas within legislative bodies.
The reserved seats for women, including those from marginalized communities, will be implemented after a delimitation process subsequent to the publication of next census figures. These measures will remain effective for a fifteen-year period, subject to future determinations by Parliament.
Moreover, it's crucial to note that these amendments won't impact the existing representation in legislative bodies until their dissolution. This provision ensures continuity in governance until the current legislative bodies are dissolved.
In essence, these amendments signify a monumental stride towards gender parity and inclusivity in India's legislative framework, aiming to empower women, especially from marginalized communities, in the decision-making process.
You can download the Act text here.
