Women’s reservation to be given after census, delimitation exercise: Nirmala Sitharaman

NEW DELHI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman issued a clarification on the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill saying that whenever the first census takes place and the relevant figures are out, a delimitation exercise shall be undertaken and subsequently, the reservation will be provided.

Sitharaman was speaking in Rajya Sabha on the Women’s Reservation Bill.

“As far as the implementation of the proposed reservation for women is concerned, a new article 334-A is inserted into the constitution. It intends that after the Bill is enacted and after the Bill comes into operation, whenever the first census takes place and the relevant figures for that census are published, a fresh delimitation exercise shall be undertaken for providing the reservation,” Sitharaman said.

This Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has actually been very thoughtfully crafted considering that we are at a very critical stage of our development process.

It is important that we build consensus and also show that we are committed to the economic and social empowerment of women.… pic.twitter.com/o4rnMCVVAr

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) September 21, 2023

Amid the allegation from the opposition leaders that the Centre has brought this legislation for their own political gains as the country is set to enter the election mode. Sitharaman said that her government does not play politics in women-related matters.

“In women-related matters…we do not play any politics. It is an article of faith for the Prime Minister and therefore we do everything that we have done whether it is Article 370, triple talaq, or now the Women’s Reservation Bill,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.

FM Sitharaman praised former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao’s government for implementing 33 per cent reservation in the Panchayati Raj.

“I want to credit former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao’s govt for having brought in 33 per cent reservation in the panchayat raj at that time. As a result, we have seen a groundswell at the panchayat level, where 33 pc reservation today, by many states it has been increased to 50 per cent…showing the contribution of women at the panchayat level,” said Sitharaman.

Meanwhile, veteran actor turned politician Hema Malini on Thursday lauded PM Modi after the clearance of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha and said “No other PM has done such things”.

Talking exclusively to ANI, Hema Malini said, “Whatever PM Modi has done, he has done it with a good motive. No other PM has done such things…It’s their (Opposition’s) job to do it (oppose the bill), we don’t bother about it…”

The bill was passed after a day-long debate in which several leaders across party lines put forth their views. The Congress was represented by its Parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi who urged the government to look into OBC and SC quota for women in the bill. (ANI)