PM Modi Highlights Government Efforts Driving Women’s Empowerment in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that India is set to take a historic step towards women’s empowerment as a special three-day session of Parliament convened in the national capital. In a post on X, Modi stated that the country is moving resolutely in this direction, emphasising that respect for mothers and sisters equates to respect for the nation. The special sitting, beginning today, is expected to focus on amendments related to the implementation of the women’s reservation law, often referred to as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come ahead of discussions aimed at advancing the rollout of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Modi described the move as one of the defining reforms of the 21st century, dedicated to empowering “Nari Shakti.” He highlighted that the government is firmly advancing efforts to ensure greater participation of women in decision-making bodies, building on earlier initiatives that have already seen over 14 lakh women serving in local governance institutions across the country.

The women’s reservation legislation, originally passed in 2023, requires constitutional amendments for its effective implementation, including linkage with the delimitation exercise following the next census. The special Parliament session is seen as a key platform to address these procedural aspects, with expectations that the changes could enable the quota to take effect from the 2029 general elections. Opposition parties have expressed support for the core principle of women’s reservation but raised concerns over the timing and linkage with delimitation and potential seat expansion.

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Modi’s statement aligns with his recent addresses, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan held earlier in April, where he urged collective support for expanding opportunities for women in governance and other sectors. The government has consistently positioned women’s empowerment as central to India’s development agenda, citing schemes that promote financial independence, education, and leadership roles. Analysts view the current parliamentary focus as a significant milestone in translating long-standing demands for gender parity in politics into concrete legislative action.

As the special session unfolds, lawmakers are anticipated to deliberate on the modalities of the reservation policy, which aims to reserve one-third of seats for women. Proponents argue that increased female representation will bring diverse perspectives to policy-making and accelerate progress on issues such as health, education, and safety. The development has drawn attention both domestically and internationally, with many hailing it as a progressive step in strengthening India’s democratic framework.

This latest push reflects the ongoing national discourse on inclusive growth and gender equality. With the session underway, all eyes remain on Parliament as it navigates the legislative pathway for what Modi has termed a historic advancement in honouring and empowering half the population, reinforcing the vision of a more equitable and developed India.

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