Together, Let Us Empower Our ‘Nari Shakti’: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, Apr 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on all Members of Parliament to support proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act, describing it as a historic step to empower women and strengthen India’s democracy.

In a signed article, Modi said the move goes beyond legislation and reflects the aspirations of millions of women, asserting that society progresses when women progress. He stressed that upcoming elections, including the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, should be conducted with women’s reservation in place.

Parliament is scheduled to convene from April 16 to 18 to deliberate on amendments to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, aimed at advancing its implementation. The proposal includes increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women, along with proportional reservation for SCs and STs.

The existing provision for 33 per cent reservation, enacted through a constitutional amendment in 2023, is currently tied to the delimitation exercise based on future census data, delaying its rollout. The proposed changes seek to expedite implementation.

Modi said the moment presents an opportunity to deepen democratic values and reaffirm commitment to equality and inclusion. He highlighted women’s growing contributions across sectors, including science, sports, entrepreneurship, and the armed forces, while noting that their political representation remains inadequate.

He emphasized that increased participation of women in governance enhances decision-making and public discourse. The Prime Minister also recalled past attempts by previous governments to introduce such reforms, stating that while consensus existed, implementation had been delayed.

Calling the passage of the 2023 Act a significant milestone, Modi said strengthening women’s representation aligns with the vision of the Constitution’s framers. He urged MPs across party lines to act with unity and responsibility to ensure greater inclusion in legislative institutions.

Describing the upcoming Parliament session as a crucial moment, Modi said empowering women is essential for national progress and called for collective action to uphold constitutional values and advance ‘Nari Shakti’.