India Set for Major Decision on Women’s Reservation: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Nari Shakti Vandan programme at Vigyan Bhawan, stating that India is on the verge of taking a major decision dedicated to women’s empowerment.

Describing the moment as historic, the Prime Minister said Parliament is set to create a new chapter that aligns with long-standing aspirations for greater representation of women in legislative bodies.

He stressed that social justice must go beyond a slogan and become part of governance and work culture, adding that the long wait for enhanced representation of women—from state assemblies to Parliament—is nearing its conclusion.

Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed in 2023, the Prime Minister noted that there was unanimous support across political parties, with a shared understanding that it should be implemented by 2029. He said efforts are being made to ensure its timely implementation through dialogue and cooperation.

The Prime Minister said a special sitting of Parliament from April 16 will deliberate on related issues, with a focus on strengthening women’s participation in decision-making processes.

Highlighting growing aspirations among women, he said there is widespread enthusiasm across the country, with many women expressing their desire to enter legislative institutions. He urged women to actively engage in the process and share their perspectives with public representatives.

Recalling women’s role in India’s freedom movement and constitution-making, the Prime Minister said their contributions have been foundational to nation-building. He also pointed to the success of women in panchayati raj institutions, noting that over 14 lakh women are currently serving in local bodies, with participation reaching nearly 50 per cent in several states.

He said increased participation of women in governance has led to more responsive decision-making, particularly in sectors such as water, education, health and nutrition. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission have benefited from women’s involvement at the grassroots level, he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted various government initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, including the expansion of self-help groups. He said nearly 10 crore women have joined such groups in the past decade, with over 3 crore achieving the status of “Lakhpati Didis”.

He noted that women are increasingly breaking barriers across sectors, including aviation and higher education, with rising participation in research and professional fields.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders raised concerns over linking women’s reservation with delimitation. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called for wider consultations, stating that delimitation and women’s reservation are separate issues.

He proposed a hybrid model for increasing Lok Sabha seats, suggesting that half of the additional seats be allocated based on states’ economic contribution and the rest as per existing proposals. He also expressed concerns that southern states may face disparities if seat allocation is not balanced.

The Parliament is scheduled to hold a special sitting from April 16 to 18 to discuss amendments related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023, along with a proposed Delimitation Bill aimed at implementing one-third reservation for women in legislatures.