Bill in current form has flaws and loopholes
We are in favour of the Women’s Reservation Bill, but not in the current form. The current draft proposes reservation of one-third seats for women and rotation of such reserved seats once every general election. As a result, two-thirds of incumbents will be forcibly unseated in every election. When male incumbents are forced out, they will field women as proxies and hinder development of natural leadership.
Compulsory disqualification violates basic principle of democratic representation and jeopardises possibility of any legislator choosing a constituency. When legislators don’t have the incentive to seek re-election from the same constituency, politics will become more predatory and unaccountable. The bill in its present form is silent about women’s representation in the Rajya Sabha. The bill also warrants a constitutional amendment.
Surendra Srivastava, founder, Lok Satta Andolan (Maharashtra Chapter)
Have quota for limited duration to gauge results
We are living in a feudal society, where inspite of having equal rights, women don’t have equal opportunities in decision making. Women’s Reservation Bill is very much required at present, but it shouldn’t be in perpetuity. As the Father of the Constitution, BR Ambedkar mentioned that reservation should be given only for a certain limited time frame only. However, the bill must be passed within a certain period. The doubt that certain men and women have in their mind, that it will benefit only the educated classes doesn’t seem correct.
As the panchayat system is running successfully, it will also give an equal opportunity to all women. However when the bill will be passed, rural women can also participate in decision making process in the parliament.
Indrani Malkani, activist
Ruckus shows deterioration of our representatives
Currently the polity has become very invidious, where politicians are only bothered about their benefits rather than hearing others. The debate on the Women’s Reservation Bill has been going on for decades now, but what happened in the Rajya Sabha on Monday was shameful.
There could have been a healthy debate but as we don’t have a good opposition there was no logical discussion on the proposed law. In a democracy, there must be discipline and people need to express their views and hear others without creating a ruckus. I wanted to hear views of those opposing the proposed changes, but not the violence that ensued. I’m sure about one thing, our leaders pay lip service to women’s issues.
Madhushree Datta,activist and filmmaker
Women activists must benefit from measure
Many male politicians are not in favour of the Women’s Reservation Bill. They are scared that the landmark legislation may make them redundant. The House is supposed to be the abode of elders, and those who have expertise in specific fields like art, literature, science, and social services. Reservation for women from backward class and minority community can be decided by woman MPs. I’m apprehensive that family members of existing MPs will benefit if their constituency (seat) is declared reserved. Ideally politically active women from grassroot level should benefit from this.
Pravin Kamath, asst manager
Emphasis should be on educated leaders
The Women’s Reservation Bill is long pending and it should have been approved long ago. Women empowerment in our country is a must. People who are opposing have a political agenda when they are mentioning the need for a quota for minorities and OBC candidates. It’s merely votebank politics. It is wrong to think that a few educated women politicians will benefit from the act. If we have educated representatives, they will address women’s issues better. In all likelihood, an educated person will overlook caste and religious considerations. There can be some reservation for women frombackward castes and minorities. We would like to have educated representatives, irrespective of gender, in the house.
Hosheda Elavia, deputy general manager
Representatives must be from all sections
Women’s Reservation Bill is a favourable step for the women at the national level. This is a step forward in thedevelopment of the country. It works for the cause of empowerment of women, by giving them a voice. After more than a decade of debate, the bill was passed yesterday, speaks of the commitment made for development of women. The only observation is that women who represent at the national level should be from all walks of life. Representation shouldn’t be confined only to the wealthy classes. Akshat Gupta, COO, Powerhouse Gyms India
LS should reflect our numbers, aspirations
The bill is a powerful way of ensuring that women get their due after 63 years of Independence. Our representation in the parliament should reflect our strength in society. It is rightly said that the progress of a civilised society can be measured by the progress of its women. The legislation will benefit rural women more than urban ones. Urban women get many opportunities to assert their voice. A quota within a quota is not justified. Asking for the same is just a ploy by male politicians to divide women.
Khyati Shah, advertising and communication manager
Merit holds key, not gender-based laws
I’m not in favour of any kind of reservation. It's strange that we talk about equality between men and women and we also fight for the reservation bill. If you are worthy or deserve something, then you will get it anyway. Merit should hold the key and nothing else should matter.
As is the case, with any such steps, nobody is bothered to check if such measures are being implemented at the grassroot level. Only a handful in the system will be able to avail benefits of the facility. We have seen people taking undue advantage of reservation in educational institutes. If you qualify or fit the bill you will get it and if you are denied inspite of fulfilling the requirements, then you have all rights to go and challenge concerned people.
Madhura Burse, senior consultant
At the panchayat level we have done good work
I want the Women's Reservation Bill to be passed soon. We need this law because it will enable more women to come and participate in decision making process. Now when things change women can vote and choose their leader, then why can’t she be part of parliament? The bill will help rural women who don’t get a chance to take decisions for development and now women in panchayat system are doing well. Similarly women will do well at national level. The bill is to encourage women to come in leadership positions.
Radhika Sapkal, senior account exc
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