How many women Members of Parliament have been elected to the 17th Lok Sabha?

The correct answer is 78.

Key Points

• A total of 78 women Members of Parliament were elected to the 17th Lok Sabha in India.
• This marks the highest number of women MPs elected to the Lok Sabha since India's independence.
• The 17th Lok Sabha elections were held in April-May 2019.
• The increased representation of women MPs is seen as a significant step towards gender equality in Indian politics.
• These women MPs represent various political parties and come from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a more inclusive legislative process.

Additional Information

• Women Representation in Indian Parliament
  • Women's representation in the Lok Sabha has been steadily increasing over the years.
  • However, women still make up a small percentage of the total number of MPs.
  • Efforts are ongoing to introduce a women's reservation bill to ensure a higher percentage of seats for women in Parliament.
• 17th Lok Sabha
  • The 17th Lok Sabha was constituted on May 25, 2019.
  • It includes 543 elected members from different states and union territories of India.
  • The term of the Lok Sabha is five years unless dissolved earlier.
• Role of Women in Politics
  • Increased participation of women in politics leads to more comprehensive and inclusive policy-making.
  • Women politicians often focus on issues such as health, education, and social welfare, which are crucial for societal development.
• Historic Milestones
  • The first woman MP in India was Annie Mascarene, elected in 1951.
  • Indira Gandhi became the first and only woman Prime Minister of India, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984.
  • Pratibha Patil served as the first woman President of India from 2007 to 2012.