Women quota may touch 60% in 10 years

Political parties feel that the reservation for women in the council and corporation elections will reach up to 60 in the next 10 years. Currently, the reservation for the fairer sex is 39%.

Congress state unit chief Manikrao Thakre said women will hold key positions in civic bodies. “Rise in the reservation will bring a sea change in civic bodies and the percentage is expected to reach 60% in the next 10 years. Once women are given a free playing area for next two years, they will create strong base in their constituencies and claim the seat even when it is not reserved for them in the next term,” he said.

Sudhir Thakre, secretary, rural development department, said: “The reservation for women has anyways rose to 52% due to the half margin in various types of reservations. If the seats available are of odd numbers, the upper division goes in favour of the reserved category. With free level playing field for women, it may cross 60% after two terms of reservation.”

Another official said the current percentage of elected women in the civic bodies is 39% against 33%.

The state government raised the percentage of the reservation to women from 33 to 50% early this year. Municipal councils and corporations that are going to polls in the next two months are the first to implement the reservation.