Modi seeks support for women’s quota amendments; Kharge questions timing
Modi seeks support for women’s quota amendments; Kharge questions timing
Modi asks party leaders to back amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act ahead of an extended Budget session, proposing to base implementation on the 2011 Census and delink from delimitation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to floor leaders across the political spectrum, urging them to back amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023. The move comes ahead of an extended Budget session during which parliament will consider changes aimed at increasing women’s representation in legislatures. The government plans to delink the law’s implementation from the ongoing delimitation exercise and instead base it on the 2011 Census, a shift officials say will avoid new delays tied to redrawing seats.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has questioned the timing of the push, saying there should be a broad, all-party discussion before any change. He has called for an all-party meeting and has highlighted a lack of clarity on how the delimitation process would interact with the amended law, underscoring the political sensitivity of the issue.
Supporters insist the amendments are essential for fulfilling India’s development goals by giving women a greater, more active role in governance. Government aides say implementing the quota in 2029 remains a priority and is tied to the broader vision of turning India into a developed nation. The discussion comes as parties prepare for a three-day parliamentary session that will see a mix of legislative and political debate.
Opposition and coalition partners have warned that the timing could affect consensus and called for clarity and a orderly process, while critics have urged caution about linking gender quotas to delimitation, arguing for a transparent approach that avoids political gamesmanship.
