Rajya Sabha passes Women's Reservation Bill with unanimous decision

In a historic decision, the Rajya Sabha unanimously approved the women’s reservation bill on Thursday following an 11-hour debate.

After the Lok Sabha approved the bill on Wednesday, the Opposition questioned the fact that the 33% female quota in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures will not take effect until after the census and redistricting.

Only two AIMIM MPs opposed the bill in the Lok Sabha. During the Rajya Sabha’s vote on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam bill, there was no one who chose to abstain.

The new Parliament building’s first bill to be passed is this one. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the MPs and referred to the Upper House’s approval of the bill as a historic accomplishment.

“Historic achievement, congratulations. It is also a coincidence that today is PM Modi’s birthday by Hindu calendar,” Dhankhar said.

Prior to the vote, PM Modi discussed the measure in the Rajya Sabha and claimed that it would inspire newfound confidence in the nation’s citizens.

After the bill passed the Rajya Sabha hurdle, PM Modi praised the lawmakers and referred to it as a “defining moment” in India’s history.

“A defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey! Congratulations to 140 crore Indians. I thank all the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such unanimous support is indeed gladdening,” PM Modi tweeted.

The measure, which was approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will now be referred to the President for approval. After that, the 33% female quota in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures would be put into effect.