By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 30: East Shillong MLA and former Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Thursday said that if even the strong BJP-led NDA government is unable to push the Women’s Reservation Bill, it clearly indicates that more groundwork, clarity, and wider political consensus are required.
“However, I am not discouraged because such an important public demand cannot be ignored,” Lyngdoh said, expressing confidence that it will eventually be realised.
Talking to reporters, she said that the announcement of a three-day special parliament session had initially generated strong optimism among women in politics across the country.
“As women in public life, we saw this as a moment of possibility—a step towards ensuring adequate representation and participation in legislative decision-making,” she said.
However, she added that the optimism was short-lived when the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, clubbed with the Delimitation Bill, 2026.
According to her, this linkage fundamentally alters the framework of the proposed reform, making the implementation of women’s reservation contingent upon the expansion of Lok Sabha seats—from around 500 to nearly 800—following delimitation.
“This was unexpected and raised serious concerns. A special session, meant to push forward a long-pending reform, instead introduced additional complexities,” Lyngdoh said, adding that this could be one of the key reasons why several members in the Lok Sabha were hesitant to extend full support to the Bill in its present form.
She noted that the issue of women’s reservation has been under discussion for 15 to 18 years, during which expectations have steadily grown among women. Acknowledging that the Bill represents a significant step, she stressed that the manner of its introduction has created uncertainty about its immediate implementation.
Lyngdoh emphasised that reservation alone will not be sufficient unless women are adequately prepared to take up leadership roles and responsibilities in governance. “This is also a moment of reflection for women—to strengthen our capacities, remain engaged, and be ready to contribute meaningfully when the opportunity arises,” she said. Highlighting the broader importance of women’s participation, she said inclusive governance requires diverse perspectives, and women play a crucial role in shaping balanced and equitable policies. “No law or policy can be truly representative if it does not take into account the concerns and aspirations of women,” she said.
Referring to the situation in Meghalaya, Lyngdoh said that while women have had a presence in the Assembly over the years, their representation remains limited. A structured reservation mechanism, she said, would significantly enhance participation and ensure that legislative decisions better reflect issues concerning women’s welfare and social development.
She described the Women’s Reservation Bill as both a symbol of aspiration and a subject of concern. While it reflects a long-cherished demand, the current approach has raised doubts about its timely execution, she said.
“If a government with a strong majority is still unable to move this forward independently, it shows that more engagement, consensus-building, and preparation are needed across the political spectrum,” she observed.
Despite these concerns, Lyngdoh said that she remains hopeful. “This is not just a political issue—it is a reflection of the collective aspirations of women across the country. It cannot be sidelined indefinitely,” she said.
Expressing confidence that the demand will be fulfilled ultimately, she said when that moment arrives, women must be ready to step forward and play a transformative role in governance and nation-building.
