📘 Q.14 IAS Prelims 2024 — Polity & Governance (Current Affairs): Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
📍 The Question
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’:
- Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
- This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
- There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
✅ Correct Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
🧠 Indexive Theme of the Question
Indian Polity | Constitutional Amendments | Women’s Reservation | Electoral Reforms
🧑🏫 Classroom Explanation
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is the popular name for the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, which introduces women’s reservation in legislatures.
🔍 Statement-wise Analysis
Statement 1
Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
❌ Incorrect
- The Act does not automatically apply from the 18th Lok Sabha.
- Its implementation is linked to the first Delimitation exercise conducted after the Act comes into force.
- Until delimitation is completed, the reservation provisions remain in abeyance.
Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
Statement 2
This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
✅ Correct
- The reservation is provided for a period of 15 years from the date of commencement.
- Parliament may extend this duration through a subsequent law.
Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3
There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
✅ Correct
- The Act mandates that one-third of seats reserved for SCs and STs shall also be reserved for women belonging to those categories.
- This ensures horizontal reservation within vertical reservation.
Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
🧾 Key Takeaways for Prelims
- ❌ No immediate implementation from 18th Lok Sabha
- ✅ Linked to post-Act delimitation
- ✅ 15-year validity (extendable)
- ✅ SC/ST women sub-reservation explicitly provided
- ❌ No reservation in Rajya Sabha or State Legislative Councils
🧠 Prelims Memory Hook
Women’s reservation = Delimitation first, then implementation
🧭 IAS Monk Whisper
Representation is not just about numbers; timing and constitutional mechanics decide when equality truly walks into the House.