Prime Minister Modi Advocates for Women's Reservation in Legislative Bodies

Advancing Women's Representation in India

Guwahati, April 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for unified political backing to promote women's reservation in legislative bodies, emphasizing its importance for enhancing democracy and fostering inclusivity in India.

In an article shared on his official website, Modi pointed out that the suggested amendments to the Women Reservation Act transcend mere legislative formalities, embodying the hopes of millions of women nationwide.

“To label this solely as a legislative task would be an understatement. It mirrors the aspirations of countless women throughout India,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister highlighted that India is at a pivotal moment, with a chance to fortify democratic principles by increasing women's involvement in governance. He called on Members of Parliament from all parties to endorse this initiative during a special parliamentary session set for April 16 to 18, where the amendments to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ will be discussed.

The proposed amendments aim to establish a 33 percent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies ahead of the 2029 general elections, accelerating the timeline from the previous framework tied to post-delimitation processes.

As per the proposal, the Lok Sabha's total seats are projected to rise from 543 to 816, with 273 seats earmarked for women. The reservation will also encompass provisions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) on a vertical basis.

Modi acknowledged that although women make up nearly half of India's population and have significantly contributed across various fields, their representation in legislative bodies has been insufficient.

“When women engage in governance and decision-making, they offer experiences and perspectives that enhance public dialogue and governance,” he stated.

Reflecting on previous attempts by successive administrations to implement women's reservation, Modi noted that despite widespread agreement, earlier initiatives fell short. He characterized the enactment of the Women Reservation Act in 2023 as a historic achievement and emphasized the necessity for its prompt execution.

Describing the initiative as a testament to India's constitutional principles of equality and inclusion, the Prime Minister warned that any delay in boosting women's representation would undermine the quality of democracy. “Every postponement in advancing women's representation is, in essence, a delay in reinforcing the inclusiveness of our democracy,” he asserted.

Modi appealed for solidarity, encouraging lawmakers to transcend political divides and support the legislation. “Let us unite and fortify constitutional values while empowering our Nari Shakti for the nation's advancement,” he concluded.