“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)

- “Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
Women constitute nearly half of India’s population, yet remain politically under-represented. Hence, reservation evolved as an instrument of substantive equality, rather than protection of a minority or backward class.
Body
1. Grassroots Beginning:
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992–93) reserved at least one-third seats and chairperson positions for women in Panchayats and Municipalities under Articles 243D and 243T. Several states subsequently raised this to 50%.
2. Parliamentary Attempts:
Women’s Reservation Bills introduced in 1996, 1998 and 1999 lapsed. The 108th Amendment Bill, 2008, providing 33% reservation, passed Rajya Sabha in 2010 but later lapsed.
3. Constitutional Breakthrough:
The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) provides one-third reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, including within SC/ST seats, after post-census delimitation. A 2026 attempt to expedite implementation was defeated.
Conclusion
Thus, women’s reservation has evolved from grassroots political empowerment to constitutionally guaranteed legislative representation, reflecting India’s gradual movement towards gender-inclusive democracy.