Women’s Participation in Politics in India is crucial for a truly representative democracy. While India has made progress in ensuring gender inclusivity in governance, women’s representation remains significantly low across legislative, judiciary, and executive branches. The Women's Reservation Act 2023 aims to address this gap, but challenges remain. This article explores the status, constitutional provisions, key legislation, benefits, and concerns regarding women’s participation in politics.

Constitutional Provisions for Women’s Participation in Politics in India

The Indian Constitution ensures gender equality in political participation through several provisions:

• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, ensuring equal opportunities in public life.
  
  
• Article 16: Guarantees equal opportunity in public employment, regardless of gender.
  
  
• 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992): Mandate 33% reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, promoting grassroots political participation.
  
  

Women’s Participation in Politics in India: Current Status

1. Women in Legislature

• Less than 10% of MLAs across all state assemblies.
  
  
• No state has more than 20% women legislators.
  
  
• Lok Sabha: 13.6% (lower than the previous 17th Lok Sabha).
  
  
• Rajya Sabha: 13%.
  
  

2. Women in Judiciary

• Supreme Court: Only three women judges (9.4%).
  
  
• High Courts: Women make up less than 15% of total judges.
  
  
• Lower Judiciary: Higher representation at 36.3%.
  
  

3. Women in Bureaucracy & Police

• Civil Services (2023): Women constituted 34% of selected candidates.
  
  
• Police Force: Women make up only 11% of total personnel.
  
  

4. Women in Economy

• Urban Labor Force Participation: 25% for women vs. 75% for men (PLFS 2024).
  
  
• Wage Disparity: Women in agriculture and salaried jobs earn 20% less than men (PLFS + CFA Institute).
  
  
• World Inequality Report 2022: Women earn less than 20% of total labor income in India.
  
  

5. Global Gender Rankings

• Gender Inequality Index 2022: India ranks 108/193, improving by 14 places from 2023.
  
  
• WEF Gender Gap Report (2023): Ranked 129th globally, with the worst economic parity in South Asia.
  
  

The Women's Reservation Act 2023 (106th Amendment Act)

The Women's Reservation Act 2023 is a landmark legislation aimed at increasing women’s political participation.

Key Features of the Act

• 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
  
  
• Reservation for SC/ST women within the overall quota.
  
  
• Effective post-census (after a fresh delimitation process).
  
  
• 15-year duration, but extendable by law.
  
  
• Rotation of reserved seats after each delimitation.
  
  

Why Women’s Reservation is Necessary?

1. Strengthening Representative Democracy

Women make up 50% of India's population but only 13% of ministers at the central level and less than 10% in state legislatures. Increased participation would ensure better representation.

2. Individual Empowerment

Greater political participation leads to financial independence, higher social status, dignity, and confidence for women.

3. Role Model Effect

Encourages more women to aspire for leadership roles in politics and administration, breaking patriarchal barriers.

4. Inclusive Policymaking & Governance

Women leaders prioritize gender equality, child welfare, healthcare, and social issues, leading to balanced policymaking.

5. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Women's participation is critical for meeting:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
  
  
• SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being
  
  
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  
  

6. Fulfilling Constitutional and International Commitments

• Article 14, 15, 39, and 51 promote gender equality.
  
  
• CEDAW (1979-81): Calls for eliminating discrimination against women in politics.
  
  

Challenges & Criticism of the Women’s Reservation Act

1. Merit vs. Reservation Debate

Some argue that gender-based reservation undermines meritocracy and limits voter choices.

2. Limited Benefit to Marginalized Women

Upper-class women may benefit more, while Dalit, Adivasi, and rural women might still face barriers.

3. Lack of Political Consensus

Disagreements exist over reservation percentage, implementation, and inclusivity of marginalized groups.

4. ‘Quota within Quota’ Issue

The demand for sub-reservation within the women's quota (for OBC, SC, ST women) is a contentious issue.

5. Proxy Representation Problem

In local bodies, many women representatives act as proxies for male relatives (e.g., “Panchayat-Pati” system).

6. Rotation of Reserved Seats

Frequent rotation may reduce incentives for male MPs to work for their constituencies, affecting development.

Recommendations for Effective Implementation

1. National Policy for Women’s Empowerment (2001)

Advocated for reservation in higher legislative bodies.

2. Standing Committee on Law & Justice (2009)

Found that women in local bodies have made meaningful contributions, proving false the notion that they serve as proxies.

3. Committee on the Status of Women (2013)

Recommended 50% reservation for women in all legislative and decision-making bodies.

4. Report on the Status of Women in India (2015)

Called for 50% seats for women in Parliament, state assemblies, and ministerial positions.

5. Inter-Parliamentary Union (2022)

Stated that legislated quotas significantly boost women's representation worldwide.

Conclusion

India has taken significant strides toward women’s political inclusion, but representation remains low. The Women’s Reservation Act 2023 is a positive step, but effective implementation and addressing loopholes are crucial. True empowerment will come when reservation translates into real political influence, ensuring inclusive development and gender equality in governance.