‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Must Be Implemented on Time; 273 of 816 Lok Sabha Seats to Be Reserved for Women’
BuzzBytes News Desk
New Delhi, Apr 13: India stands on the brink of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century as Parliament meets to end “decades of waiting” by amending the Women’s Reservation Act for its implementation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
Addressing a conference of women here ahead of the three-day special sittings of Parliament beginning April 16, Modi said the amendment to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ will realise the visions of the past and fulfil the resolutions of the future, as he hailed the contributions of women in governance and asserted that many of them are ready and eager for bigger roles.
“Our country’s Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past; that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolve for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not merely a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that when the law was introduced in 2023, it was passed unanimously by all parties and there was a collective demand, particularly from the opposition, for its implementation by 2029. “From the state assemblies to the country’s Parliament, the time to end decades of waiting is April 16, 17, and 18,” he said, referring to the extended Budget session scheduled for the consideration and passage of the amendments.
In September 2023, Parliament passed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ providing for reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Under the current law, the reservation would not have become enforceable before 2034, as it was tied to the completion of the delimitation exercise post-2027 Census. To implement it from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, changes are needed in the Act, hence the government is holding the special sitting to pass the amendments. The amendments, when passed, will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women.
Modi said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam must be implemented on time so that women’s participation strengthens the country’s democracy. “Our effort and priority is that this work should be accomplished through dialogue, cooperation and participation, which will enhance the dignity of Parliament,” he said.
Acknowledging the nationwide enthusiasm among women, Modi said women across the country are voicing their aspirations about reaching assemblies and the Lok Sabha, and their dreams have received new wings. “I appeal to all women to maintain their active participation in this entire process and meet their MPs to share their perspectives and expectations,” he said.
Highlighting contributions of women from the freedom struggle to the Constituent Assembly, the Prime Minister recalled their immense role in laying the foundation of independent India. Citing panchayati raj institutions as an excellent example of women’s leadership, Modi shared that over 14 lakh women are successfully working in local government bodies, with their participation in panchayats reaching nearly 50 per cent in approximately 21 states.
Referring to various studies, Modi pointed out that when women’s participation in decision-making processes increased, it brought sensitivity to systems, leading to more dedicated work on issues like water, education, health and nutrition. “The success of Jal Jeevan Mission is an example where women’s participation at the panchayat level has played a major role,” he said.
Emphasising that lakhs of women working in local bodies and institutions for years now possess extensive experience, the Prime Minister said they are ready and eager for bigger roles. “Implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will become a great opportunity in the lives of all such women. The journey from panchayat to Parliament is going to become easier,” he said.
Modi assured “every mother, sister and daughter of the country that the nation understands their aspirations and is taking every necessary step to realise their dreams,” adding that the country’s Nari Shakti has touched new heights through hard work, courage and self-confidence. He listed various welfare schemes for women, including Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Matru Vandan Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, stating that from the first breath to the last, the government stands ready to serve sisters and daughters.
