The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the women’s reservation bill with a majority 214 votes in favour and none against. The bill proposes to give 33% reservation to women in the lower house and legislative assemblies, aiming to promote gender equality and empower women in decision-making bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the historic mandate and called the passage of the bill a defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey. He expressed his gratitude towards the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The bill was previously cleared in the Lok Sabha, with overwhelming support from the members. However, the opposition failed to secure some of its demands, such as immediate implementation of the bill, inclusion of quota for OBCs and Muslims within the general quota, and conducting a caste-wise headcount with the decennial census. Amit Shah, during the Lok Sabha debate, emphasized that the bill would come into force after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, followed by the census and delimitation exercise. The Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced during the ongoing special session of Parliament, can only be implemented after the census and delimitation exercise. This historic step is a tribute to the countless women who have contributed to the nation and aims to ensure their voices are heard more effectively.