106th amendment of Indian constitution

106th amendment of Indian constitution

The 106th Amendment of Indian Constitution: A Defining Move for Women’s Representation

India has witnessed a landmark moment in its democratic evolution through the 106th Amendment of Indian Constitution. Enacted in 2023, this amendment introduced a historic provision: the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. For a country long striving for gender-balanced governance, this move by the Indian Parliament has been both widely celebrated and deeply analyzed.

The constitutional change came after years of debate and demand from civil society groups, political leaders, and gender rights advocates. It recognizes the long-standing need for increased female participation in politics, not just in terms of numbers, but also to promote equity in law-making and governance.

Key Highlights of the 106th Amendment

The amendment inserts critical provisions into the Indian Constitution to formalize the reservation of seats. It ensures that one-third of all seats in the directly elected bodies of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will be earmarked for women. Moreover, it mandates that this reservation also apply to seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

A particularly notable feature of the amendment is its rotational policy. Seats reserved for women will rotate among different constituencies after each delimitation exercise. This ensures a fair distribution of opportunities for women across all regions and communities. 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023

However, the reservation will only come into effect after the next population census and subsequent delimitation of constituencies. While this introduces a delay in implementation, it is meant to ensure that representation is based on the most up-to-date demographic data.

Significance in India’s Political Landscape

The passage of the 106th Amendment marks a progressive shift in Indian politics. Women currently make up only around 14% of the Lok Sabha—far below the global average. By institutionalizing their participation, India not only empowers half its population but also strengthens the democratic process by making it more inclusive and diverse.

This legislative milestone is also a political message. It signals India’s commitment to bridging the gender gap and creating a political environment where women have equal opportunities to lead, influence policy, and represent their communities. One Hundred and Sixth Amendment of the Constitution

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