Question

Consider the following statements regarding the 106th Constitutional Amendment (Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam).

1. It ensures one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, including seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

2. It amended Article 334 to extend the reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha until 2030.

3. It provides for women’s reservation in the Delhi Legislative Assembly under Article 239AA.

• A. Only 1 and 2
• B. Only 1 and 3
• C. Only 2 and 3
• D. All are incorrect

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Only 1 and 3

106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam)

• Key Provision: Reserves one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• Implementation Timeline: The reservation will come into effect after the delimitation exercise, which will be based on the next census conducted after the commencement of this Act.
• Existing Reservations: The reservation for women will be implemented in seats already reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), and also in nominated seats.
• Impact on SC/ST Reservation: This Act does not alter the existing reservation for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Their representation will be maintained based on their population after delimitation.
• Article 334 Amendment: While the Act amends Article 334, it is specifically to enable the implementation of women's reservation. It does not extend the reservation period for SCs and STs, which was already addressed by previous amendments. The reservation for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has been extended up to 2030 by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
• Delhi Legislative Assembly: The Act explicitly includes the Delhi Legislative Assembly in the reservation framework, aligning with Article 239AA of the Constitution, which deals with the special provisions for Delhi.
• Significance: This amendment is a landmark step towards enhancing women's political participation and representation in India's democratic institutions.
• Previous Attempts: The idea of women's reservation in legislatures has been debated for decades, with previous bills failing to get parliamentary approval.
• Related Article: Article 243D (reservation for women in Panchayats) and Article 243T (reservation for women in Municipalities) already provide for women's reservation at the local government level.