New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on Members of Parliament to unite in support of the proposed Women Reservation Act amendment, describing it as a historic step toward strengthening India’s democratic framework and ensuring greater representation for women in governance.
In a signed article shared on his official website, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Women Reservation Act amendment is not merely a legislative exercise but a reflection of the aspirations of millions of women across the country. He highlighted that empowering women is central to India’s growth and democratic values.
Parliament Session to Discuss Key Bill
The government has scheduled a special three-day Parliament session from April 16 to 18 to deliberate on the Women Reservation Act amendment. The move aims to enable the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies ahead of the 2029 general elections.
The legislation, popularly known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, was passed in 2023 but is currently linked to the delimitation exercise based on Census data. The proposed amendment seeks to expedite its implementation timeline.
Major Structural Changes Proposed
Under the proposed Women Reservation Act amendment, the total number of Lok Sabha seats is expected to increase from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. The reservation will also follow a vertical structure, ensuring representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
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Additionally, constituency boundaries are likely to be redrawn based on the 2011 Census instead of waiting for the 2027 Census, which could otherwise delay implementation until 2034. Similar reservation provisions are expected to be applied to state assemblies on a proportional basis.
PM Modi Highlights Women’s Role in Nation Building
Speaking about the importance of the Women Reservation Act amendment, the Prime Minister noted that women constitute nearly half of India’s population and are making significant contributions across sectors such as science, sports, entrepreneurship, and the armed forces.
“Society progresses when women progress,” he said, adding that despite advancements in various fields, women’s representation in legislative bodies has remained limited.
Call for Political Consensus
PM Modi urged leaders across party lines to support the Women Reservation Act amendment, stressing that this is a moment of national importance that requires unity and collective responsibility.
He also pointed out that previous attempts to enhance women’s representation in Parliament had not materialised despite broad agreement, making the current opportunity particularly significant.
Strengthening Democracy and Inclusion
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that increasing women’s participation in decision-making will enrich governance and strengthen democratic institutions. He described the amendment as a step toward fulfilling the vision of the Constitution’s framers for equality and inclusiveness.
As Parliament prepares to debate the bill, the Women Reservation Act amendment is expected to be a landmark reform that could reshape India’s political landscape and ensure greater participation of women in shaping the nation’s future.