Part XVI - Special Provisions for Certain Classes • Article

Article 332A Simplified: Reservation of seats for women in the Legislative Assemblies of the States

Article 332A deals with reservation of seats for women in the legislative assemblies of the states. It shapes political representation by reserving or continuing seats and ensuring specified groups are represented in Parliament or State Legislatures as the Constitution provides.

Official Text

(1) Seats shall be reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of every State. (2) As nearly as may be, one-third of the total number of seats reserved under clause (3) of article 332 shall be reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes. (3) As nearly as may be, one-third (including the number of seats reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Sceduled Tribes) of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be reserved for women.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule saves one out of every three seats in every state assembly (Vidhan Sabha) just for women. It helps ensure women are represented in state governments.

Student Mode

Introduced by the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023. Reserves 33% of the directly elected seats in every State Legislative Assembly for women. Similar to Article 330A, it includes a sub-quota reservation under Clause (2) where one-third of the seats reserved for SCs/STs in that assembly are saved specifically for women of those communities.

Example

If an election planner or student asks how reserved seats for women, Scheduled Castes, or Scheduled Tribes operate, Article 332A is one of the constitutional provisions to check.

Key Takeaway

Article 332A connects democratic representation with constitutional safeguards for inclusion.

FAQs

Which amendment introduced Article 332A?

Article 332A was introduced by the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023.

Does the 33% reservation for women apply to all state assemblies in India?

Yes. Article 332A mandates that seats shall be reserved for women in the Legislative Assembly of every State.

Quiz

Article 332A reserves seats for women in which legislative bodies?

Answer: State Legislative Assemblies

What portion of the SC and ST reserved seats in a state assembly must be reserved for SC/ST women?

Answer: One-third