After 11 hours of debate, the Rajya Sabha unanimously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill on Thursday. 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, no one 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 called the passage of the bill in the upper house a historic achievement. “Historic accomplishment, congrats. The passing of the bill coincides with PM Modi’s birthday according to the Hindu calendar, which is also a coincidence, according to Dhankhar.

Before 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 law passed the Rajya Sabha hurdle, PM Modi expressed his congratulations and referred to it as a “defining moment” in India’s history. “A watershed second in our nation’s democratic history! Congratulations to India’s 140 million people. I want to thank every Rajya Sabha Member who voted in favor of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such consensus is heartening,” PM Modi tweeted.

“With the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam passing through Parliament, we usher in a period of increased representation and empowerment for Indian women. This law celebrates all the women who have aided in the growth of our nation and is more than just a piece of legislation. They have strengthened India with their tenacity and contributions. Remembering this day, we remember the determination, courage, and unbreakable spirit of all the women of our country. This historic move represents a dedication to ensuring that their opinions are heard even more forcefully,” according to PM Modi.

Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the measure on Thursday, saying it was long overdue. Asked why the administration called a special session of parliament, Sitharaman said, “We have arrived at a new complex, a new structure of parliament, a new India. We want the House to pass one of the best bills it can handle. The Lok Sabha would have seats reserved for women under this measure. According to certain lawmakers, reservations ought to be granted in the Rajya Sabha as well.” According to Sitharaman, reservation is simply not possible due to the indirect selection process and expression of preferences during voting.

In his intervention, Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the delay in the bill’s implementation and questioned why PM Modi couldn’t do it right away when he could outlaw notes overnight. After the census and delimitation, Kharge expressed worry over the bill’s implementation. Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal responded, “Modi hai toh Mumkin hai…do not doubt.”

What’s Next?

The measure passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will now be sent to the President for assent. After that, the 33% female quota in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures would be put into effect.

-Pragati Sengar