Women's groups seek immediate 33% reservation

Metro India News | Hyderabad :

Women's rights organisations, representatives of secular political parties, feminist groups and social activists on Saturday demanded the immediate implementation of the 33% Women's Reservation Act, 2023, without linking it to the Census, delimitation or parliamentary seat expansion. The demand was raised during a public consultation organised at Maqdoom Bhavan in Hyderabad by women's rights and feminist organisations of Telangana in solidarity with the National Coalition for Women's Reservation (NCWR).

Around 100 participants attended the meeting and urged the Centre to amend the Act by removing the conditions tying its implementation to the Census and delimitation process. They said women's political representation should not be delayed any further.

Senior academics and activists Prof. Shantha Sinha and Prof. Rama Melkote said, "There should be no further delay in ensuring women's constitutional right to political representation." They added that the reservation should be implemented at the existing strength of Parliament without expanding the number of seats.

Representatives from the Congress, BRS, TRS, Left parties and several women's organisations expressed concern over the delay in implementing the law despite its passage in 2023. They also opposed linking women's reservation to parliamentary expansion, saying it would weaken federalism and parliamentary democracy.

The gathering also demanded an inclusive process for identifying reserved constituencies to ensure representation for Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, minority, transgender and other marginalised women. Participants resolved to meet the Telangana Chief Minister, launch a statewide awareness campaign, and urge MPs and MLAs to support the immediate and unconditional implementation of the Women's Reservation Act.