Urgent Call from Padma Shri Libia Lobo Sardesai for Immediate Women's Reservation Implementation
Synopsis
On April 15, Padma Shri recipient Libia Lobo Sardesai passionately called for the swift enactment of the Women's Reservation Bill, criticizing the delays and questioning the motives behind them. Her insights reflect the urgent need for women's representation in governance.
Key Takeaways
Libia Lobo Sardesai emphasizes the urgent need for the Women's Reservation Bill .
The bill has been pending for 27 years .
Only 33% reservation is currently available for women.
Political parties are criticized for using the bill as an electoral tactic .
Immediate implementation is necessary without any conditions.
In New Delhi on April 15, Padma Shri honoree and centenarian freedom fighter from Goa, Libia Lobo Sardesai, expressed her views on the Women's Reservation Bill. She acknowledged the bill's significance but criticized the prolonged delay in its implementation, suggesting it might be a mere electoral strategy.
Sardesai remarked to IANS, "This is a beneficial bill that is essential for us. However, it has taken 27 years without action, and now they propose a further wait of three years. This issue will not be resolved imminently."
Highlighting that women constitute half of the nation's demographics, she noted, "Despite this, only 33% of reservation has been granted. Women have made remarkable strides and are capable of leadership, yet opportunities remain scarce. It is unjust. The bill should have been enacted without delay, yet they are postponing it until after the Census and Delimitation. What is the connection to the Census? The data already indicates women represent half the population," she asserted.
Labeling the bill as a political maneuver, Sardesai stated, "The introduction of this bill seems more about courting women voters rather than genuinely helping them. Otherwise, why the extensive delay?"
She further questioned the timeline for genuine representation for women once the bill is enacted, stating, "Women will gain representation, but only after three years. We've already endured a long wait; we can’t afford to wait any longer. Why are stipulations like Delimitation and the Census only applied to women? Why aren't these conditions imposed on the representation of MPs and MLAs?"
Sardesai also criticized political parties, stating, "When the Congress was in power, the BJP opposed it. Now that the BJP is in power, they criticize Congress. Neither party is taking this matter seriously. Currently, the BJP appears to be using this as an electoral gimmick."
She firmly urged for the immediate implementation of the bill without any conditions.
Point of View
It's crucial to note that Libia Lobo Sardesai's remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill underscore a significant concern regarding women's representation in governance. Her call for immediate action highlights the urgency and necessity for political accountability in addressing gender equality.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Women's Reservation Bill?
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to increase the representation of women in legislative bodies by reserving a certain percentage of seats specifically for them.
Why is Libia Lobo Sardesai critical of the bill's delay?
Sardesai believes that the delay reflects a lack of genuine political will to support women's rights and represents a tactic to gain electoral advantage.
How long has the Women's Reservation Bill been pending?
The bill has been pending for 27 years without implementation, with recent proposals suggesting an additional three-year wait.
What percentage of reservation is currently allocated to women?
Currently, women have a reservation of only 33% in legislative bodies.
What are the conditions for implementing the bill?
The implementation is said to be contingent upon the completion of the Census and Delimitation processes.
