Deepa Malik Supports Women's Reservation Bill for Enhanced Political Representation

Deepa Malik Advocates for Women's Empowerment

New Delhi, April 10: Deepa Malik, a silver medalist at the Paralympics, has expressed her support for the government's initiative regarding the Women's Reservation Bill, emphasizing that increased political representation for women is crucial for societal progress.

Commenting on the proposed legislation, Malik stated, "I applaud Prime Minister Modi's initiative concerning the Women's Reservation Bill. A special session is being convened for this purpose. A society is deemed healthy only when its women are empowered."

Her comments come as the government works to implement measures related to women's reservation in legislative bodies. Reports suggest that an amendment bill is being considered alongside efforts to increase the Lok Sabha's size.

The plan aims to raise the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816, with a minimum of 273 seats designated for women, representing approximately one-third of the total. This initiative is expected to align with delimitation based on the 2011 Census, with a Delimitation Commission Bill likely included in the legislative agenda.

Additionally, sources have indicated that amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act may be introduced to support implementation. The Union Cabinet has already approved a draft amendment bill, which is set to facilitate 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies, anticipated to take effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, mandates one-third reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, including quotas for SC and ST women.

In a recent editorial, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of women's roles across various sectors and the necessity of increasing their involvement in governance.

Malik, who won a medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and previously served as the president of the Paralympic Committee of India, has been a strong advocate for inclusion and empowerment in both sports and public life.