Women’s Reservation Bill : Milestone in the History of Indian Democracy ?

Todays Chanakya™ Poll: Women’s Reservation Bill : Milestone in the History of Indian Democracy ?

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Monday, March 29, 2010 --

To bring about gender equality in parliament and state assemblies, the women’s reservation bill was considered. Since 63 years of independence, the percentage of women in the LS has hovered between 7- 11%. In assemblies too the percentage of women is low. Therefore extraordinary measure taken through this bill if passed will be historic as per the research done by Today’s Chanakya.

Today’s Chanakya interviewed a random sample of 6443 adult people between 15th -24th March 2010. Interviews were conducted across the country in different regional languages. Data were collected to the profile of all adults age 21 + including by age, Sex, Social class, household, work status, literacy level , etc.

As per opinion of the public, the Women’s Reservation Bill will change the democracy rule in India. But it is a doubt and fear that it will empower women however it will certainly bring about radical changes in the way, the Indian democracy functions.
The reservation in Panchayat and local bodies were found encouraging as per the research samples.The ideal way to increase women’s representation for political parties would be to have quota for women & both reservation and quota system. However if this bill does cross the Lok sabha, of which the people across India are doubtful, will indeed be historic in Indian democracy.

At present there is no cap on political parties giving tickets to women candidates rather than reserving seat for them but the often repeated reason is that the women candidate cannot defeat established male- opponents. But also there is a fear that giving party ticket is no guarantee that a significant number of women would get elected.

Increase of strength of parliament and the assemblies is a solution of this huge cry and fear of losing the representation of men. But there is again a constitutional cap on increasing the strength of lok sabha till 2020 and huge space problem to sit and added government expenditure on these extra-elected representatives. If such proposals even get accepted a new delimitation would have to be taken as per our experts on this bill. However if this is set out than it could well change the rules of Indian democracy as per finding of this research.
Among many factors the women’s reservation bill if it passes in lok Sabha will indeed be a historic?

Yes (79%); No (14%); Can’t say (6%)

Whether the women’s reservation bill will bring about real political empowerment of women?

Yes (59%); No (31%); Can’t say (10%)

Do you feel that women’s reservation bill could bring about radical changes in the way the Indian Democracy functions?

Yes (64%); No (30%); Can’t say (6%)

According to the bill 1/3 rd of the seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, which will be reserved for women, will become general seats in next election, is this a good pattern for reservation?

Excellent (43%); Good (33%); Bad (20%); Can‘t say (4%)

As per provision in the bill, 1/3rd of the seat incumbents, whether male or female, will have to sit out once in three elections. Is that such a bad thing or good thing?

Bad thing (23%); Good thing (72%); Can’t say (5%)

As per provision in the bill, when there is no guarantee that political candidates will be allowed to run again in the next election, will it result in lack of accountability?

Yes (19%); No (28%); Already they are unaccountable(48%); Cant Say 5%

Do you feel that the political parties are benefited by 1/3 rd reservation by rotation than individual?

Yes (49%); No (41%); Can’t say (10%)

Which is the ideal method to increase women’s reservation in politics :-

-- Quotas by political parties- (40%)

-- As per 1/3rd provision in bill- (35%)

-- Both partially- (25%)

Do you feel that the experience and lessons from reservation for women in panchayat & local bodies are encouraging and good?

Yes (64%); No (29%); Can’t say (7%)

What stops political parties from nominating more OBC women and minorities’ women in reserved constituencies?

-- Individual male supremacy-(40%)

-- Empowering women than men-(30%)

-- Both – (26%)

-- Can’t say- (4%)

Do you feel & fear that finally this women bill will be hold pending for next few years more as per circumstances created by some small regional political parties?

Yes (81%); No (13%); Can’t say (6%)

Do you know what is women’s reservation bill and its provision?

Yes (57%); No (36%); Can’t say (7%)

About TODAYS CHANAKYA

Todays Chanakya is the registered TradeMark of RNB Research. We were the only one in India who predicted Congress victory for 200+ seats in Lok Sabha 2009 and our analysis was covered in Electronic as well as print media during Lok Sabha 2009.

RNB Research is one of the Asia’s leading full service market research agency with offices in India, China, UAE, UK & USA.We have developed 11 models of research exclusively for Asian Markets based on our 15 years of Extensive research analysis.

RNB Research offers expertise in wide range of industries including Automobiles, Banking & Financial Institutions, Consumer Products, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Media , Retail , Telecommunication,Technology Products & Water Management.

© 2010 RNB Research-All rights reserved

Our Next Research:

-- U.K. General Elections (Monthly Poll: April)

-- NREGA Research – Under Progress.

-- Research on BT & GM Food worldwide. – Under Progress.

To view the Women's Reservation Bill, please click on the link given below:

Women's Reservation Bill