The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Women's political representation in India is a critical indicator of the inclusivity of its democratic process. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, the actual representation of women in legislative bodies (Parliament and State Assemblies) remains low compared to global benchmarks.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections (17th Lok Sabha), 78 women members were elected, which constitutes approximately 14.36 % of the total strength (543 members). While this was the highest share of women MPs in India's history up to that point, it did not cross the 20 % mark.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The representation of women in State Assemblies is significantly lower than in the Parliament. According to standard references and historical trends, the share of women in state assemblies has generally been less than 5 %. While some specific states may show marginally higher figures in recent years, the aggregate average remains very low.
- Statement 3 is Correct. In global comparisons regarding women's representation in legislatures, India ranks poorly. India's rank is lower than the averages for many developing countries in Africa and Latin America, many of which have implemented gender quotas or proportional representation systems that facilitate higher women's participation.
Key Takeaway
While women's representation in the Lok Sabha reached an all-time high of ~14 % in 2019, it remains well below the global average and significantly behind many developing nations in Africa and Latin America.