Implementation of Women’s Reservation Act Faces Delays Due to Census and Delimitation Requirements
Although the Women’s Reservation Act was passed in September 2023, its implementation is stalled until after the first Census following 2026 and subsequent delimitation. This means the 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies likely won't take effect until 2034. Critics argue this 'census-delimitation linkage' is a constitutional barrier that could have been avoided. The article highlights concerns regarding the lack of sub-reservation for OBC women and the potential for political friction between northern and southern states during the delimitation process, which could further complicate the timeline for gender parity in Indian politics.
Key Points
- The Act mandates that reservation will only apply after the delimitation exercise following the next Census, scheduled for 2027.
- Delimitation involves redrawing constituency boundaries to balance population representation, a process governed by Article 82.
- There is no constitutional necessity to link women's reservation to delimitation; Parliament could have enabled immediate implementation through amendment.
- The current law lacks sub-reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC), who constitute nearly 40% of India's female population.
Exam Facts
- Article 82 of the Constitution mandates the Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census.
- The next Census is scheduled for 2027, with delimitation expected to conclude around 2032 or 2033.
- Article 15(3) empowers the State to make 'special provisions' for women and children.
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