Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India is on the verge of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century, describing the proposed women’s reservation initiative as a historic step dedicated to “Nari Shakti.” He made these remarks while addressing the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised that the decision carries far-reaching importance for the country’s democratic and social framework. He described it as a transformative move that would translate long-standing aspirations into reality and embed social justice more deeply into governance. According to him, the initiative is not merely symbolic but represents a structural shift towards greater inclusion of women in decision-making processes.
He highlighted that the demand for reservation for women in legislative bodies has existed for decades, with discussions spanning nearly forty years and involving contributions from multiple political parties and generations. The proposed step, he said, reflects a collective national resolve to ensure that women receive adequate representation in Parliament and state assemblies.
Modi noted that Parliament is approaching a moment that could redefine the country’s political landscape by advancing gender equality. He framed the initiative as part of a broader vision of an egalitarian India, where social justice is integrated into institutional functioning rather than remaining a rhetorical goal.
He also referred to a broad consensus on implementing the Women’s Empowerment Act by 2029, indicating that upcoming parliamentary discussions would play a crucial role in shaping its execution. A detailed debate on the issue is scheduled to begin on April 16, with the expectation that all political parties will contribute constructively to the process.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the initiative would be pursued with cooperation across party lines, stressing that such a decision should rise above political differences. He suggested that a unified approach would not only strengthen parliamentary dignity but also resonate positively with women across the country.
The event itself was organised to build support for operationalising the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. It brought together political leaders and stakeholders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, underscoring the significance of the proposed reform in the national discourse on gender representation.
