Ahead Of Polls, Madhya Pradesh Announces 35% Reservation For Women In Government Jobs

Ahead of Madhya Pradesh assembly elections 2023, the state government has issued a notification, introducing a 35 percent reservation for women in recruitment across various departments, with the exception of the Forest department in the state. This amendment to the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provision for Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997, prioritises women's participation in government jobs. This move is aimed at not only empowering women but also appealing to voters in the forthcoming assembly polls.

According to the notification, "Notwithstanding anything contained in any service rules, there shall be reserved 35 percent of all posts in the service under the state (except Forest Department) in favour of women at the stage of direct recruitment and the said reservation shall be horizontal and compartment-wise."

Earlier, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also declared a 35% reservation for women in police and other government job positions, along with a 50% reservation for women in teaching roles. Special emphasis will be placed on women's involvement in local government bodies, including aldermen and other positions. The government will also cover the educational expenses of girls to ensure their access to quality education.

Notably, the women's reservation Bill, which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, has been enacted into law after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu. The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhniyam' was unanimously passed in the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant legislative achievement.

On September 20, the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha, with 454 members voting in favor, while only two voted against it. Amendments proposed by the opposition were defeated, and separate clauses of the legislation were also put to a vote.

On September 21, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was 'unanimously' passed in the Rajya Sabha, coinciding with the Prime Minister's birthday as per the Hindu calendar. It's worth noting that Madhya Pradesh is gearing up for assembly elections later this year, where the state will choose representatives from 230 Assembly constituencies.