Former President Pratibha Patil Backs Women's Reservation Bill
Support for Women's Empowerment Legislation
On April 11, former President of India, Pratibha Patil, expressed her endorsement for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Bill) in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She emphasized that this legislation would enhance women's participation in legislative bodies, thereby reinforcing the constitutional framework of the nation. In her correspondence, Patil conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for the historic initiative to implement the Women's Reservation Bill, describing it as a transformative step towards strengthening India's democratic structure by ensuring greater representation and involvement of women in legislative bodies.
Acknowledgment of Stakeholders
Patil, who made history as the first female president, highlighted her commitment to women's empowerment by advocating for equal opportunities. She also commended all stakeholders contributing to this initiative. Prime Minister Modi has accelerated efforts to implement the Women's Reservation Bill, labeling it a significant reform for women's representation in legislative bodies. Recently, he reached out to women, stressing the urgent need for action on this long-awaited legislation.
Call for Increased Participation
In his message, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of enhancing women's participation in law-making institutions. Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session, Modi wrote to the leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, urging them to support the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill. This initiative comes just before a crucial parliamentary session, during which the government is expected to focus on advancing the constitutional amendments related to the law.
BJP's Directive to MPs
The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a three-line whip to its MPs in both houses, instructing them to be present in the sessions from April 16 to 18. The Women's Reservation Bill, passed in September 2023, aims to reserve seats for women in legislative bodies, marking a significant stride towards political empowerment.