The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Why India Needs More Women in Parliament

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

Revision Notes

Question : Examine the significance of the recently passed 106th Amendment to the Indian Constitution. What are the expected benefits, and what challenges need to be addressed for its effective implementation?

Global Context:

• The world is seeing progress in women’s political participation. Countries like the UK (40%), South Africa (45%), and the US (29%) have achieved significant representation in their national parliaments.

India’s Lagging Representation:

• Despite offering universal suffrage since 1952, India falls short in women’s representation in Parliament.
  • Lok Sabha: Historically low numbers (5-10% till 2004), with a gradual increase to 14% currently.
  • State Assemblies: Even lower representation, with a national average of around 9%.
• The 73rd and 74th amendments (1992/93) mandated one-third reservation for women in panchayats (village councils) and municipalities, leading to a significant rise in women’s leadership at the local level.
• Attempts to implement similar reservations in Lok Sabha and state assemblies between 1996 and 2008 were unsuccessful.

International Strategies for Change:

• Two main approaches are used globally:
  • Quotas within Political Parties: This allows voters more choice while encouraging parties to field women candidates.
  • Parliamentary Reservations: Specific seats are reserved for women in Parliament.
• Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, which have quotas in Parliament, show lower representation compared to nations with party-based quotas. This suggests that party-level quotas might be more effective.

India’s Ranking and Initiatives:

• As of April 2024, India ranks a dismal 143rd globally in terms of women’s representation in Parliament, highlighting the need for improvement.
• The Trinamool Congress currently leads with the highest proportion of women MPs (38%) in the Lok Sabha, demonstrating that parties can make a difference.
• The recently passed 106th Amendment (September 2023) is a significant step forward.
  • This amendment mandates a one-third reservation for women in both Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Expected benefits of this reservation:
  • Increased gender sensitivity in parliamentary processes and legislation.
  • A rise in the number of women Ministers at the Central and State levels.

Challenges and the Way Forward:

• The reservation for women in Parliament will come into effect only after the next Census data is published. This necessitates conducting the long-overdue Census (delayed since 2021) without further delay.
• Timely completion of the Census is crucial to ensure the implementation of this reservation by the 2029 general elections.

Increasing women’s political participation is not just about fairness but also about creating a more inclusive and representative Parliament that addresses the needs of all citizens. By implementing the 106th Amendment and conducting the Census promptly, India can take a significant step towards achieving gender parity in its political landscape.

 

 

The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Nalanda University- Lost Glory and New Ambitions

 GS-1 Mains Exam : Art and Culture

Revision Notes

Question : Discuss the historical significance of Nalanda University, highlighting its role in the development of Buddhism and education during ancient India.

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the inauguration of the new Nalanda University campus reignited interest in its history.

History:

• Established by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty around 427 AD.
• Supported by Pala kings and later, Bodh Gaya Pithipatis.
• Renowned centre for learning, especially Buddhism (Hinayana & Mahayana).
• Notable figures associated with Nalanda: Aryabhata, Harsha, Dharmapala, Nagarjuna etc.
• Xuan Zang (Hiuen Tsang) documented Nalanda’s meticulous student enrollment process (7th century).

Nalanda’s Glory Recognized:

• “History of Bangladesh: Early Bengal in Regional Perspectives” affirms Nalanda’s importance.
• A king of Sumatra requested permission to endow a monastery at Nalanda, highlighting Buddhist ties between eastern India and Southeast Asia.

Controversy: Nalanda’s Destruction:

• Some historians (Satish Chandra, Irfan Habib) suggest Nalanda was ransacked by Bakhtiyar Khalji (1200 AD).
• Based on writings of Minhaj-i-Siraj in “Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.”

Rediscovering Nalanda:

• Scholars like Alok Kumar argue the attacked site was “Audand-Bihar” (not Nalanda).
• Nalanda might have escaped due to its location (off the main Delhi-Bengal route).
• By the time of Turko-Persian invasions, Nalanda may have already been abandoned or converted.

Conclusion:

• The opening of the new campus signifies hope for Nalanda’s revival.
• Nalanda’s history remains open to interpretation, inviting further research and exploration.