New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the critical importance of enacting the proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act, describing the legislative initiative as a reflection of the aspirations of millions of women across India. He urged all Members of Parliament to extend their support to this pivotal move, emphasizing that it is essential for the upcoming 2029 Lok Sabha elections and state assembly polls to be conducted with women’s reservation firmly in place.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Prime Minister articulated these views in a signed article published on his website. He stated that the nation is on the cusp of a significant moment, presenting an opportunity to reinforce the foundations of Indian democracy and reaffirm a collective dedication to equality and inclusion. Parliament is scheduled to convene on April 16 for discussions and voting on a significant bill aimed at advancing women’s reservation.
The Prime Minister elaborated that categorizing this initiative merely as a legislative exercise would be an understatement, asserting it truly represents the aspirations of crores of women throughout India. The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended, with a special three-day sitting slated from April 16 to 18, dedicated to amending the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ commonly known as the Women Reservation Act, to facilitate its implementation from the 2029 general elections.
Under the proposed amendments, the total number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase to 816, with 273 of these seats reserved for women. The provision for 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was originally incorporated through a constitutional amendment in 2023. However, its effective implementation is contingent upon the completion of the delimitation exercise based on the 2027 Census, potentially pushing its enforcement to 2034 under the existing legal framework.
According to preliminary details, the number of Lok Sabha seats is set to rise from the current 543 to 816, with approximately 273 seats earmarked for women. The reservation will also incorporate a ‘vertical basis,’ allocating seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). A significant adjustment involves the redrawing of constituencies based on the 2011 Census, rather than the previously proposed 2027 Census. A similar process will be undertaken for state assemblies, where seats will be reserved on a pro-rata basis.
In his article, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that women constitute nearly half of India’s population, contributing immensely and invaluably to the nation’s progress. He noted that India is currently witnessing remarkable achievements by women across diverse fields, from science and technology to entrepreneurship, sports, the armed forces, and the arts, placing them at the forefront of national development.
He further stated that sustained efforts over the years have been instrumental in creating an environment conducive to women’s empowerment. Enhanced access to education, improved healthcare, greater financial inclusion, and better access to basic amenities have strengthened women’s participation in economic and social spheres. However, he observed that their representation in politics and legislative bodies has not always been proportionate to their societal roles.
The Prime Minister expressed that this disparity is particularly regrettable, as the participation of women in administration and decision-making processes brings unique experiences and insights that enrich public discourse and enhance the quality of governance. He recalled that over the decades, various governments had made repeated attempts to secure a rightful place for women in democratic institutions, involving committees and draft bills, but these initiatives often failed to materialize.
Despite past challenges, Prime Minister Modi affirmed that a broad consensus has consistently existed regarding the necessity of increasing women’s representation in legislative bodies. He reiterated that the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ passed by Parliament in September 2023 with a spirit of consensus, is among the most special occasions of his life. He believes this measure aligns deeply with the vision of the Constitution’s framers, who envisioned a society where equality is both enshrined and practically realized.
Strengthening women’s participation in legislative institutions, he added, is a crucial step towards fulfilling this constitutional vision. It signifies a commitment to fostering a society where every citizen holds an equal stake in shaping the nation’s destiny. The Prime Minister emphasized that this moment cannot be deferred further, as any delay in advancing women’s representation is effectively a delay in enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of democracy.
As India approaches this significant parliamentary sitting, Prime Minister Modi appealed to all Members of Parliament, across party lines, to unite in support of this vital step for Indian women. He urged them to embrace this opportunity with responsibility and purpose, acting in a manner that upholds the highest democratic traditions. He expressed confidence that India, known for its ability to rise above differences on matters of national importance, will act with unity on this occasion. He called for collective action to strengthen constitutional values and empower women for national progress.
The Prime Minister also noted that while India moves forward with confidence, its institutions must reflect the aspirations of all citizens, particularly the half of the population represented by women. Timely action, he stated, would not only honor long-standing commitments but also sustain the momentum of progress, making democracy more representative, responsive, and future-ready. This endeavor, he stressed, is about the nation as a whole, transcending individual governments, parties, or personalities.
He highlighted the impending festive season, with various celebrations across the country including Rongali Bihu in Assam, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti in Odisha, Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, and Baisakhi in Punjab. The Prime Minister also marked the upcoming 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule on April 11 and the homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, conveying his best wishes for happiness and prosperity to all celebrating these occasions.
In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed its support for the amendments to the Women Reservation Act, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s call for consensus. The party stated that the proposed amendments would significantly strengthen democratic representation. BJP national president Nitin Nabin affirmed the government’s consistent focus on women-centric policies, citing schemes like PM Awas Yojana and Ujjwala as examples. He asserted that ensuring women’s representation in legislative institutions is imperative for a robust democracy.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla noted the Prime Minister’s appeal for consensus among parties on the amendments. He stated that the Women’s Reservation Bill aims to ensure greater representation in Parliament and state assemblies. Another party spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, described the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as a ‘historic leap’ towards empowerment, emphasizing that a strong nation requires adequate representation of women in its legislative institutions.
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