Assam Government Advocates for 33% Women's Reservation in Assemblies
Advocating for Women's Empowerment
Assam Cabinet Minister Ajanta Neog on her way to the Day 3 of Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday (Photo: @AjantaNeog/X)
Guwahati, May 25: On Monday, the Assam government presented a resolution in the Legislative Assembly advocating for the prompt implementation of a 33% reservation for women in state assemblies.
Ajanta Neog, the Minister for Women and Child Development, introduced the resolution, emphasizing its goal to enhance women's empowerment and promote their participation in governance following the delimitation process.
“To foster women's empowerment and ensure their comprehensive development, I propose the immediate enactment of one-third reservation for women in all state assemblies across India post-delimitation,” Neog stated while presenting the resolution.
She elaborated on the necessity of this initiative, noting that women make up nearly half of both India's and Assam's populations, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in political spheres.
“Women represent about 50% of the population in India, and Assam mirrors this demographic. It is our duty as a nation to uplift them, not just politically but also socially,” she remarked.
Neog pointed out that despite the respect accorded to women in Indian society and history, their political representation has been disproportionately low for many years due to various structural obstacles.
“There are social barriers, educational challenges, and intellectual limitations. However, we must strive to advance women, necessitating a political reorientation,” she added.
She referenced the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which was introduced in Parliament in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating that this legislation has sparked hope among women nationwide for increased political representation.
Neog also mentioned the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was introduced in Parliament on April 16 this year to facilitate the implementation of the 33% women's quota in Parliament alongside related delimitation legislation.
Despite a two-day debate, the Bill was not passed on April 18. “All the hopes held by women were diminished. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister has assured that efforts to pass the Bill will persist in the future,” Neog informed the Assembly.
She called for bipartisan support, stating that Assam is joining other NDA-ruled states in formally urging the central government to advance the legislation.
“I urge everyone in this House to endorse this historic resolution, regardless of political affiliations. I stand here today as a voice for women's participation in politics. This resolution is not solely for Assam but for women throughout the nation,” she concluded.
The resolution was introduced in the Assembly on the third day of the current session, with further proceedings adjourned until Tuesday.