Constitutional Amendment 106 Women Reservation - What can be Learned from 1/3rd PRI Reservation?

Abstract

Attaining gender inclusion and political empowerment is the goal of the historic Constitutional Amendment for Women\'s Reservation, which calls for a one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The dynamics of women\'s participation in grassroots governance can be better understood by looking at the lessons learned from PRIs\' implementation of the 1/3rd reservation. In rural local bodies, like as Panchayats, women were required to occupy one-third of the seats under the 73rd Amendment Act of 1992. In an effort to rectify past gender inequalities, increase women\'s representation in decision-making bodies, and boost their social and political standing, this proactive policy was put in place. The revolutionary effect on women\'s political engagement is one important takeaway from the one-third reservation in PRIs. Women were able to take part in local administration through the reserved seats, which helped them develop their leadership abilities and increase their visibility in public service. As a result, women\'s status in communities was enhanced, and decision-making became more inclusive and equal. The importance of prioritizing health, education, and social welfare issues is positively correlated with women\'s political representation, which is another lesson. To address pressing social issues, women PRI officials frequently fought for policies that would have a direct positive effect on women\'s and marginalized communities\' quality of life. In addition, the 1/3rd reservation effort highlighted the significance of initiatives that strengthen the abilities of female leaders. To help women successfully carry out their responsibilities as leaders, educational and training programs were crucial in providing them with the information and abilities they needed to understand and handle the many facets of government. Even with these good results, there are still problems. In many cases, women are unable to reach their full leadership potential due to cultural biases, patriarchal attitudes, and resistance from established power structures. If we want women to have an impact in politics, we need to break down these entrenched stereotypes and create conditions where they feel comfortable taking an active role.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

In a historic stride towards promoting gender equality and empowerment, the 106th Constitutional Amendment Bill, often hailed as a landmark legislation, seeks to provide one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. This progressive step aims to address the longstanding gender disparity in political representation, acknowledging the invaluable role women play in shaping the socio-political landscape of the nation. As we embark on this transformative journey, it is pertinent to reflect on the lessons gleaned from the implementation of one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and explore the implications for the forthcoming constitutional amendment[1], [2]. The Panchayati Raj system, introduced through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, marked a significant moment in India's democratic evolution by decentralizing power to the grassroots level. Simultaneously, the provision for one-third reservation for women in PRIs aimed to address the historical exclusion of women from decision-making processes at the local level. This experiment, spanning over two decades, offers valuable insights and lessons that can guide the successful implementation of the 106th Constitutional Amendment [3].

The reservation of one-third seats for women in PRIs has undeniably paved the way for increased participation of women in local governance. By providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to decision-making, this reservation has been instrumental in breaking traditional barriers and empowering women to actively engage in community development. The lesson learned here is that political empowerment is not merely about occupying seats but fostering an environment where women's voices are heard, respected, and translated into tangible actions.

The implementation of reservations in PRIs has challenged age-old stereotypes and notions regarding women's ability to lead [4], [5]. It has served as a catalyst for changing societal perceptions about women's roles in governance, proving that leadership qualities are not confined by gender. As the nation contemplates extending this reservation to higher legislative bodies, the lesson is clear – affirmative action not only provides equal opportunities but also challenges societal norms, fostering a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.The experience with reservations in PRIs has highlighted the importance of addressing structural challenges in tandem with policy interventions. From enhancing women's political literacy to addressing deeply rooted patriarchal norms, the success of such reservations hinges on a comprehensive approach that tackles systemic barriers. Recognizing these challenges and adopting strategies to overcome them will be critical in ensuring the effective implementation of the 106th Constitutional Amendment [6], [7]. The integration of women into PRIs has contributed to the overall strengthening of democratic institutions. Diverse perspectives, derived from a gender-inclusive leadership, bring about a more holistic decision-making process. As the nation contemplates extending this reservation to higher legislative bodies, the lesson from PRIs underscores the positive impact of diversity on the efficacy and legitimacy of democratic institutions. The 106th Constitutional Amendment, with its promise of one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, heralds a new era for gender-inclusive politics in India. Drawing on the lessons learned from the implementation of one-third reservation in PRIs, policymakers can navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by this constitutional amendment. By prioritizing the empowerment of women, challenging stereotypes, addressing structural impediments, and strengthening democratic institutions, India can move closer to realizing the vision of a truly representative and inclusive democracy [8]–[10].

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

Zhou 2024 et al. The travel reservation strategy (TRS) is more adaptable and sophisticated compared to conventional traffic demand management techniques. This study attempts to establish the ideal reserve volume (ORV) for urban roadways and validate the efficiency of the TRS. We used the sustained flow index to calculate the ORV based on the trade-off between road breakdown probability and capacity. A bilevel programming model with ORV restrictions was created to assess the TRS's effectiveness. The findings showed that the ORV range is 0.79-0.89 times the road capacity. The TRS can maximize its continuous advantage when the demand for reservation travel is at least 40%. Choosing the most congested important roads in the network for implementing TRS is more effective than covering a vast area. The default behavior of the driver will raise the V/C ratios and travel expenses of all roads in the network. Research has shown that using reservation-based transportation can help balance supply and demand in both space and time, reducing traffic congestion[2].

Vangen 2023 et al. the results of subsequent pregnancies following a prior total uterine rupture. Create. An observational study utilizing demographic data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, the Patient Administration System, and medical records. Example. Maternities having a prior complete uterine rupture in Norway between 1967 and 2011, totaling 72 cases out of 2,455,797 maternities. Procedure. We assessed the frequency of new full and partial ruptures, together with the maternal and perinatal results of these pregnancies. Both past and current ruptures were characterized. Outcome. Out of 72 maternities, 37 had previous ruptures in the lower segment (LS) and 35 had ruptures outside the LS. We discovered three new complete ruptures and six partial ruptures, resulting in rates of 4.2% and 8.3%, respectively. All three full tears happened prematurely in scars located outside the LS. The rate of new full ruptures was 0% in individuals with previous ruptures in the LS and 8.6% in those with previous ruptures outside the LS. The adjusted perinatal mortality rate was 1.3%, with a high rate of preterm (<37 weeks) at 36.1%, which was observed without new ruptures and was primarily iatrogenic. Two hysterectomies were conducted without rupture, whereas two instances presented anomalous invasive placenta. Conclusion. Pregnancies following a prior complete uterine rupture have a positive prognosis. Prematurity is a complex issue influenced by the worry of both the obstetrician and the woman, making the time of delivery particularly difficult. Management should involve providing meticulous counseling, monitoring for symptoms, and prompt delivery if a rupture is suspected[11].

Wake 2023 et al. prenatal care is an effective method to detect existing or potential difficulties during pregnancy. Although there have been significant attempts to improve health services and the use of prenatal care, there is less understanding of antenatal care discrepancies among various demographic segments. The study aimed to evaluate the disparities in prenatal care utilization between urban and rural Ethiopian pregnant women. Approaches. The study comprised a total sample of 3927 women who had live births between 2014 and 2019, as part of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The data was analyzed using negative binomial Poisson regression[12].

Xu 2022 et al. This study demonstrates the use of permits in parking management to address parking uncertainty, high search time, and underutilization of parking lots.

The text examines the features and expenses of "arrival priority" and "reservation priority" modes. It suggests a parking permit reservation and allocation system using "service order optimization" and develops a "ant colony-genetic" method to determine the best service order. The numerical example demonstrates the effectiveness of quantity control and matching optimization strategies in parking management. The "service order optimization" parking reservation mode offers benefits in terms of parking lot utilization rate, service demand quantity, and overall parking cost[4].

Rommel 2021 et al. The women met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia or schizophreniform illness. There were no clinical signs that strongly indicated recurrence except throughout the postpartum period. Conclusion: Most women experiencing postpartum psychosis for the first time are at risk of illness only during the period following childbirth. Postpartum psychosis was observed in the remaining women as a component of a mood/psychotic disease with significant non-postpartum relapse, primarily within the bipolar spectrum. No clinical indicators predicting the likelihood of severe episodes occurring outside the postpartum period were identified. Our research contributes to existing evidence indicating a basic connection between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, which could indicate two separate diagnoses within a shared spectrum[13].

Table. 1 Literature summary

III. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The proposed methodology for the 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation should be carefully designed to ensure effective implementation and address potential challenges. Drawing lessons from the 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), several key considerations and lessons can be taken into account:

A. Public Awareness and Education:

The lessons learned from the 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) can significantly inform the public awareness and education strategy for the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation. First, the success of PRIs' reservation was attributed to extensive awareness campaigns that emphasized the positive impact of women's participation in local governance. Leveraging this lesson, the 106th Amendment should prioritize targeted communication efforts to dispel stereotypes and highlight the benefits of gender-inclusive decision-making at higher levels. Moreover, the 1/3rd reservation experience emphasized the importance of localized educational initiatives. The 106th Amendment's awareness programs should be tailored to diverse communities, addressing specific concerns and promoting cultural sensitivity. Learning from the decentralized nature of PRIs, the campaign should engage with local leaders and influencers to amplify its message effectively. Additionally, showcasing success stories of women leaders from PRIs can serve as powerful examples, inspiring confidence in the electorate and building trust in the reservation policy. In essence, the strategy should be dynamic, culturally nuanced, and community-centric, drawing on the lessons of PRIs to foster broad public support and understanding of the women's reservation initiative.

B. Legal Safeguards:

The 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) provides valuable insights into crafting legal safeguards for the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation. Lessons learned highlight the necessity of robust legal provisions to protect women representatives. One crucial takeaway is the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that women in reserved seats are shielded from gender-based biases and harassment. The 106th Amendment should draw from PRIs' experience by establishing mechanisms for addressing grievances related to gender-based discrimination promptly. Legal safeguards must encompass protection against political or societal pressure that may hinder women's active participation in governance. Additionally, the amendment should consider provisions for safe reporting channels and whistleblower protection, creating an environment conducive to women's effective leadership. Furthermore, the 1/3rd reservation's success underscored the importance of legal frameworks promoting women's safety and security. The 106th Amendment should incorporate stringent measures to prevent and address any form of violence or intimidation against women representatives. By prioritizing these legal safeguards, the amendment can create an enabling environment for women to participate in governance without fear, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the reservation policy.

C. Reservation Rotation:

The lesson of reservation rotation from the 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is vital in shaping the approach to the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation. In PRIs, the rotation system has proven effective in preventing the concentration of power and promoting inclusivity. This lesson underscores the importance of incorporating a similar rotation mechanism in the 106th Amendment to ensure a diverse representation of women leaders over time. Rotation of reservations can prevent the entrenchment of a few individuals or families in power, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive political landscape. The 106th Amendment should consider implementing a systematic rotation of reserved seats at various levels of governance, preventing any undue advantage or monopoly. Furthermore, the success of rotation in PRIs highlights the need for careful planning and coordination in the implementation phase of the 106th Amendment. A well-structured rotation system, coupled with effective communication and community engagement, can mitigate potential challenges and garner support for the sustained implementation of women's reservations. By learning from the PRIs' experience, the 106th Amendment can strengthen democratic principles, promote fair representation, and ensure a more equitable distribution of leadership opportunities for women in the political sphere.

D. Participatory Decision-Making:

The lesson of participatory decision-making from the 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is crucial for shaping the strategy of the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation. In PRIs, women representatives actively engage in decision-making processes, contributing to effective governance. This underscores the significance of fostering participatory approaches in the 106th Amendment to ensure that women in reserved seats have a meaningful impact on policy and decision formulation. The 106th Amendment should draw on the PRIs' experience by promoting collaborative decision-making within the reserved seats. Establishing mechanisms for regular consultations, feedback loops, and community engagement can enhance the democratic processes at higher levels of governance. Encouraging dialogue and cooperation among elected representatives, irrespective of gender, will contribute to more informed and inclusive decision-making. Moreover, the success of participatory decision-making in PRIs suggests the importance of creating an environment that values diverse perspectives. The 106th Amendment should prioritize initiatives that promote teamwork, collaboration, and information sharing among women representatives, fostering a culture of inclusivity and cooperation. By incorporating these lessons, the amendment can ensure that women's reservation not only provides numerical representation but also contributes substantively to the democratic decision-making processes.

E. Data Collection

The lesson of data collection from the 1/3rd reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) offers valuable insights for the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation. In PRIs, systematic data collection played a pivotal role in assessing the impact of reservation policies, identifying challenges, and informing evidence-based adjustments. Drawing from this, the 106th Amendment should prioritize the establishment of a comprehensive and reliable data collection system to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of women's reservation at higher levels of governance. The data collected should include information on the participation of women in decision-making processes, the socio-economic background of women representatives, and the outcomes of their initiatives. Regularly analyzing this data can provide policymakers with a nuanced understanding of the impact of the reservation policy and guide necessary adjustments. Additionally, the 106th Amendment can learn from PRIs by incorporating mechanisms for public access to relevant data. Transparent reporting and dissemination of information can build trust among the public and enhance accountability. By prioritizing robust data collection and analysis, the amendment can ensure that the reservation policy is responsive to the evolving needs of society and contributes to the overall development and empowerment of women in governance.

F. Performance Evaluation

Utilizing assessment measures like accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score to analyze the effects and insights gained from the 1/3rd Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in accordance with the 106th Constitutional Amendment concerning women's reservation in India. These measures are typically used to assess machine learning models and may not be immediately applicable to evaluating social and political policy.

IV. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The performance evaluation of the 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women's Reservation can draw valuable lessons from the experience of the 1/3rd Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Here are key areas for performance evaluation and lessons learned:

Table no. 2 and Figure 2 presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of a machine learning (ML) model. The accuracy, measuring overall correctness, is reported at a commendable 0.86, indicating an 86% success rate. Precision, assessing the accuracy of positive predictions, stands at 0.80, signifying 80% correctness in identifying positive instances.

The recall, gauging the model's ability to correctly identify positive cases, is impressive at 0.85, suggesting an 85% capture rate. The F1 score, harmonizing precision and recall, yields a value of 0.82, highlighting a balanced performance. These metrics collectively depict a robust and well-performing ML model with high accuracy and a good balance between precision and recall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed 106th Constitutional Amendment on Women\'s Reservation stands to benefit significantly from the lessons learned through the implementation of the 1/3rd Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The experience of PRIs provides valuable insights that can inform the successful execution and impact of the constitutional amendment. The 1/3rd Reservation in PRIs demonstrated the importance of incremental implementation, capacity building, and public awareness. These lessons highlight the need for a phased approach to the implementation of women\'s reservation at higher levels of governance, accompanied by comprehensive training programs to enhance the leadership skills of women representatives. Moreover, public awareness campaigns must be strategically designed to educate the community about the positive outcomes of gender-inclusive governance. Legal safeguards, including protection against discrimination and violence, were crucial in the success of PRIs\' reservation policy. Therefore, the 106th Amendment should prioritize the establishment of robust legal mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of women representatives, fostering a conducive environment for their active participation. The rotation system in PRIs, preventing the concentration of power within a few families, emphasizes the importance of adopting similar measures in the higher echelons of governance. Implementing a systematic rotation of reserved seats can ensure a diverse and inclusive representation over time. Overall, the 106th Constitutional Amendment can leverage these lessons to craft a well-rounded strategy that addresses not only numerical representation but also the empowerment, protection, and active engagement of women in governance. By embracing these lessons, the amendment has the potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of gender equality and democratic principles in the political landscape.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Priyanshi .. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.