Question

why is there reservation for sc st and women in parliament?

Answer 1

• Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes in the Parliament via Articles 330 and 332, was purported to give them an equitable representation in the legislative assemblies.
• Until the time of drafting the constitution, the marginalized sections of the society had not received rightful representation in politics and decision-making matters of the country. It was therefore believed that if certain constituencies are reserved for SC/ST candidates, it will help these sections of the society to come into the mainstream.
• Out of the 543 constituencies of Lok Sabha, 84 seats were reserved for Scheduled Castes /Dalits and 47 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes and other tribes.
• This reservation was to continue only until 1960, though it is continuing till date with several amendments.
• The government has sought reservation for women only in Panchayats and municipal bodies. Currently women have no reservation in the parliament though women reservation bill is underway in the Lok Sabha.