Women's Reservations in Parliament

[deepender]

Now it seems like we're very close to seeing this bill becoming a reality....in anycase, I can still see both some pros and some cons... I've studied political structures of many nations but can't recall seeing anything similar to what's proposed here. Does anyone know of any successful / unsuccessful examples of similar experiments from other democracies around the world?



PM calls for all-party meet on Women's Bill
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NDTV Correspondent

Monday, August 22, 2005 (New Delhi):


In yet another attempt to forge consensus on the controversial women's reservation bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called a meeting of leaders of all parties today.

Dr Manmohan Singh will meet Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav as well as JDU leader Sharad Yadav today.

Parties divided

This is the first time that the Prime Minister has asked Mulayam to give his opinion on the issue. Mulayam as well as Lalu Yadav want no fixed quota reserved for women.

The BJP has already agreed in principle to the 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures and the Left has asked for reservation of 180 seats in the present Lok Sabha for women.

The Centre's new formula for the women's reservation bill includes a 33 per cent increase in the total capacity of Parliament.

This would mean that the existing 545 seats in the Lok Sabha would increase to 900. If these proposals are adopted, then expenses are expected to go up to Rs 100 crore annually.

[anujkadyan]

I have nota read a lot about politics so my opinion might be wrong. But i strongly feel that they we have policticians operating in our country the women will be more or less puppets in the hands of their husbands. Its like they will make their wife stand for elections instead of them and then they will call the shots.

The way ti was for Mrs Laloo ydav.. Rabri devi.. now that she has an identity of her own :)

[rkumar]

I have nota read a lot about politics so my opinion might be wrong. But i strongly feel that they we have policticians operating in our country the women will be more or less puppets in the hands of their husbands. Its like they will make their wife stand for elections instead of them and then they will call the shots.

The way ti was for Mrs Laloo ydav.. Rabri devi.. now that she has an identity of her own :)

What you are saying Anuj might be true for women who are illiterate and will be joining mostly village panchayats. Rarely an educated lady will act like a puppet in the hands of her husband. She might certainly seek his advice, but in all probability would act as per her conscious. There have been many lady politicians world over and there is no indication what so ever that they acted or act as puppets. Few names, which I can quote off hand, are of Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Bhandarnaike and now Hilary Clinton. My strong feeling is that lady parliamentarians would give more balance to our politics. It would be a great step forward for Indian democracy and politics to have woman reservation. Women usually make good managers, though at times they get vindictive with their opponents...

RK^2

[mukeshkumar007]

This would mean that the existing 545 seats in the Lok Sabha would increase to 900. If these proposals are adopted, then expenses are expected to go up to Rs 100 crore annually.

And I think It is only one drawbakc of this bill? can not we have a better solution without increasing the seats?

[anujkadyan]

Yes Uncle you are right. They are more good at understanding the problems of people. But the situation might get bad because there are many states which are being ruled by Goons ..and I am sure the representatives coming from those states will not be educated at all.

its sickening to see some of the politicians who decide the policies of our country and are illiterate and are shamelessly corrupt.
At one place we have to compete in global economy with countries like china and at the same time we have these internal challenges to be faced.

The only hope is the younger politicians who are joining in. Also not all politicians are corrupt. We have Manmohan Singh, Mr PC and MOntek singh who are the best bunch of ppl we can have to make economic policies and implement them.

lets see where this bill takes us.

[rkumar]

And I think It is only one drawbakc of this bill? can not we have a better solution without increasing the seats?

Mukesh,

Present number of Lok Sabha seats were decided when we had a population of hardly 40 crores. Now when we have a population of over 100 crores, the number of seats are justified and additional expenditure of Rs 100 crore is just under Rs. 1/ Indian.. We certainly need more representation not only for ladies but for other professional classes like Industry, teaching, farmers etc... Indian democracy must appear evolving and reforming itself as we face new challenges.

RK^2

[dahiyarules]

I wont care less, if they made tom dick and harry as the President, Prime minsiter and Deputy prime minister of India. they hardly do naything for my family. They are parasites who survve on my mother's hard earned money, and have the control panel t our liberties and survival. Its such a stupid system. You pay someone to control your life. Check into an insane asylum if u are fine with it.

[spdeshwal]

I support the bill on Reservation of seats in Parliament and at state level for women. I also support any proposal to increas no.of seats in Parliament( Lok sabha as well Rajya Sabha).

This 7.30 pm here in Auckland, I am reding Dr.kalkhunde's post which has mention of current and past powerful women of the world, simultaneosly I am watching the live debate between opposion leader Dr. Don Brash and Prime Minister Helen Clarke who is contesting to lead the New Zealand Govt. for the third time.
Also Chief Justice of New Zealand,s Supreme Court is a women. CEO of New Zealands largest co. Telcom is a Women.

So, there are numerous examples of successful women in the various fields where they have to compete with the men and that includes politics as well. Given the socio- economic conditions in our country and to impove the participation of the women in policy making, it is very importent to provide with reservation for women not only in the Parliament but state legislative as well
Hope, the bill is finally going to be a reality.

[mukeshkumar007]

http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?slug=No+consensus+on+Women%27s+R eservation+Bill&id=77805

I unable to understand that if this bill will pass in its original form then where the democratic norms of society will be spoiled.
Our mulayamji and Laluji has said that it will be unfair to the other section of society, but meanwhile they have not forgotten to ask more reservation for SC/ST. interesting???????????????

[deepender]

I may share a concern or two that you have but most certainly not your pessimism. Let's be optimistic man!! Things have been improving and will continue to improve in India!! We, the people, will make things better! And only we, the people, can make things better. Like JFK once said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" It's time to take responsibility of our own destiny.

I wont care less, if they made tom dick and harry as the President, Prime minsiter and Deputy prime minister of India. they hardly do naything for my family. They are parasites who survve on my mother's hard earned money, and have the control panel t our liberties and survival. Its such a stupid system. You pay someone to control your life. Check into an insane asylum if u are fine with it.

[anujkadyan]

Yes deepender Bhaisahab i think ur right. Its this same pessimis which is the main reason for us not getting where we want to go.

its the same pessimisim that we dont go and vote. The biggest mistake we make.

its the same pessimism that we start to live with how things are and become complascent..

Things are improving a lot. people are becoming more and more aware of their rights. Media is also doing a good job like bringing to the ppl various scams.. the recent one being the Mulayam singh yadan one. (at times bad too :) )

I see so many ppl interested in doing something good for the nation. There are so many youngsters who come forward and work with NGO's which I am sure wasnt the case few yrs back. And these are the same people who also party hard and enjoy life and work hard. But at the same time they want to contribute something to society and make things better.

India is a big growth story and things are moving at a fast pace. it might not seem to effect our daily life ina big way. But in long term it will and if u see the big picture it is.

So dahiya bhai cheer up and get going :)

[priti]

Wow...thats a good news, the last time i heard about it was in the BJP rule when they had postponed...good to see its coming through...

I have a question...do you think that people who come through reservations are treated as equals and command the same respect as people who come through a merit based system?

Also, i think the reservation system might work better on the party level rather than parliament level. The political parties should give equal opportunities to females rather than seats reserved from some constituencies. It should come from grassroot not at the top level directly.

In any intervention, its the culture and behaviour change aspects that make it successful or a failure. Jab tak grass root level pe change nahin hoga...top level pe thoda mushkil hai...I think that might breed more corruption, less empowerment of women and they being the puppets...

Just some thoughts....I'm really happy its coming through...maybe they should slightly change the format (or maybe they have...i'll have to check it...apologies if i am wrong).

[rkumar]

Wow...thats a good news, the last time i heard about it was in the BJP rule when they had postponed...good to see its coming through...

I have a question...do you think that people who come through reservations are treated as equals and command the same respect as people who come through a merit based system?

Also, i think the reservation system might work better on the party level rather than parliament level. The political parties should give equal opportunities to females rather than seats reserved from some constituencies. It should come from grassroot not at the top level directly.

In any intervention, its the culture and behaviour change aspects that make it successful or a failure. Jab tak grass root level pe change nahin hoga...top level pe thoda mushkil hai...I think that might breed more corruption, less empowerment of women and they being the puppets...

Just some thoughts....I'm really happy its coming through...maybe they should slightly change the format (or maybe they have...i'll have to check it...apologies if i am wrong).

I fully agree with your views Priti. Reservation at party level will be much better than at constituency level. People like Mulayam Singh Yadav want reservation even among women on the basis of OBC and Muslim etc. I don't understand why they can not implement it at party level.

RK^2

[priti]

I think the reason why they cannot implement at party level is lack of willingness and the challenge it would offer to the intellects of party leaders in implementing it....its much more complex (and effective too)...

Parliamentary level pe to election commision can probably take care of it centrally....at the party level it would be the headache of individual parties and when it comes to avoiding extra hassles...all parties, politicians unite...

[rkumar]

I think the reason why they cannot implement at party level is lack of willingness and the challenge it would offer to the intellects of party leaders in implementing it....its much more complex (and effective too)...

Parliamentary level pe to election commision can probably take care of it centrally....at the party level it would be the headache of individual parties and when it comes to avoiding extra hassles...all parties, politicians unite...

Election Commission can make mandatory for every recognised party to field at least 33% women candidates. Failing this the party should be derecognised. I am sure all parties will fall in line. I don't think this should be difficult.

RK^2

[priti]

totally agree....but how to ensure the political will to review the present format....and get everyone to agree upon it?

[priti]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1207304.cms

[deepender]

Agreed: getting agreement accross party lines could be a critical challenge.

A digression: PM Manmohan Singh, in his recent address to the US Congress, touched on a very similar thing saying that Democracy sometimes can be very slow as it involves a lot of consensus building as opposed to other more autocratic political structures where change can be inflicted with controllable agility. But the flip side is that in Democracies, the change is usually more permanent and irreversible as it is desired by the people by definition. (He was refering to how permanent Indian economic reforms are compared to China...)

Back to your question: I think we can counter this shortcomming of a democratic set-up with democracy itself. What I mean is that some party needs to fight elections by focussing on this issue as a centerpiece of their campaign and in the process threatning other parties in using women as vote banks...something like what Ch Bansilal did with the prohibition issue...

My 2 cents: Regardless, of my opinion on how this issue may be resolved, I am still undecided on if we need this legislation in the first place or not. And what good would this deliver to our nation?


totally agree....but how to ensure the political will to review the present format....and get everyone to agree upon it?

[positivelook]

Hi all

One thing is understandable 4 me here is that its all right we can give 33% reservation to women in parliament but is it be fair to give certain percentage to OBC and Muslim women. I think this is totally out of my mind that some people are demanding reservation on the name of religion( like laoo and Mulayam) and they call themselves Secular. If these people call them secular than why they demand reservation for Muslims in Parliamenty. We have enough muslim leaders in our parliament and we have enough muslim leaders in the different parties on different level.
But as we all know in India we are having Khichadi sarkar from past ten years and due to this these small party people comes in front with their selfishness of voton ki Rajneeti.

Ny way lets see how it goes.

Abhimanyu Phougat

[priti]

[Regardless, of my opinion on how this issue may be resolved, I am still undecided on if we need this legislation in the first place or not. And what good would this deliver to our nation?]


The ultimate objective is- more participation of women in indian politics.

Current method of achieveing it- reservation of seats in the parliament for women.

Effectiveness: 'questionable' at best.

Alternative method: equal opportunity policy for women at the party level based on merit.

effectiveness of alternative method: no compromise of democratic principles but implementation subjective in nature.


In my view, reservations can hardly be seen as democratic principle.

[balraj_dhaka]

bhai i think in every department their should be reservation and that also 85% :) including women SC/ ST And all posible classes be it OBC or Minorities :)

[raj2rif]

I fully agree with your views Priti. Reservation at party level will be much better than at constituency level. People like Mulayam Singh Yadav want reservation even among women on the basis of OBC and Muslim etc. I don't understand why they can not implement it at party level.

RK^2

I have not read the bill, but surely can make out a little bit from the discussion that is going on. I want to make my contribution without reading the bill, to keep my thoughts original.

Firstly: Why can't they implement at Party Level: The truth is that the party level ticket distribution is decided purely on the basis of community profile of the constituency. This is the biggest problem of our system as votes are often cast based on the caste and religion of the candidates (firstly) then the party he/she represents. We need to break the caste system

Secondly: Leaders like Mulayam and Laloo: They are the the people who are practicing the politics of religion while branding BJP as the one using it. We need to guard against politicians who want to divide the Indians as a community into SC/ST, Brahmin/Jats/ Rajputs and Punjabis, Gujaratis, Madrasis and so on.

Thirdly: Number of seats in Parliament. Yes we do need to increase these seasts, but making it 900 at one go may not be a good idea. When we had only 40 crore people, we also did not have the means of communictions and the technology to be with the people as a leader. Thus if the population has increased so is the means of reaching out to people. I would rather spend more money to modernize our police force to ensure better law and order rather than increase the representatives in parliament. Because not only we would need more funds but also the more manpower to provide them personal protection as it has become fashion these days.

Fourthly: Comparing Mrs. Clinton and Mrs Thether, with the normal Indian woman may not be correct. Even educated women in our country give lots of heed to their husbands tradditionally, irrespective of how indifferent he may be. But that does not mean that we don't give reservations to women. I am for it, and feel that they would do a very good job. As has been mentioned by Rajendra Ji, they do make a very good managers. May be their experties in practicing home budget helps. Traditionally Indian women neither drink nor smoke, and that saves a lot of public time while in office as aginst men who are more prone to taking up the habit of smoking and drinking.

[priti]

new development:

http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/25/stories/2005082508001000.htm

[mkrana]

On principal basis I am against any form of reservation. I beleive reservation spoon feeds and helps only creating pets. The other reason is that any type of reservation curtails the fundamental democratic rights of 'equalness' for other people - example - I cann't stand for my village panchayat elections because the seat is reserved for SCs - in a village strongly dominated by jaat? Ye kon se janam kaa badla hai?
Similar situation for female reservation issue - do people have to undergo sex-change first to fight elections in their areas? - No offense intended but I seriously think it is time to bid 'Good-Bye' to ALL forms of reservations and attack the root cause of the problems.

[priti]

[Just as India granted voting rights to women in one stroke in 1950, we can give 100 per cent reservation to women in legislatures by having one man and one woman elected from each constituency. If this is not viable, we can have women representing every three seats from reserved constituencies. But they should be barred from contesting other seats.

R. Ganesan,
Chennai]

haha :)

this is a letter to the editor i came across in the Hindu....wonder what conflicting style of governance a constituency would have if it had two MPs from each gender each! interesting thought though...maybe a married couple should be given charge of each constituencies.... ;)

[anujkumar]

Let's start with puppets only, it would not take long puppet womens to realize they are puppets and that's way change happen. Indigineous governance in india started as puppet.

Also the word "puppet" would gain the status of heavy weights "secular" , "communist", "Dalit" in the poltical discussion, that would make the phenomena disappear.

Things like: congress would say BJP women's are puppet, look our super king is a women. The BJP have to architect a strong women fighure etc.

But the obvious problem is the the question when would we stop it, like the caste based reservation. It should definitely be stopped. Another things how detrimental coould it be to our family sytem which arguabily have some very fine advantages. For example, as col sir said, men indulge in some time wasting activities. You should definitely expect more and more women doing exactly that.


Also there are techncal difficulties with the party level reservations, they would start filing independents, who can right after join the party. To take care of peoblems like this would require major problematic patching.