Pass Women’s Quota in One Voice For 2029 Polls: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Source: X)

Modi will address a national-level Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital on Monday

New Delhi : Ahead of the three-day special sitting of Parliament beginning April 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections be conducted with women’s reservation in place and urged all political parties to come together to pass the amendments to ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in one voice.

The Prime Minister, in a letter to the floor leaders of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, asserted that any society progressed only when women had the opportunity to progress, make decisions and, more importantly, lead. He said that for India to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation, it was essential that women play a greater, active role in this journey.

Modi will address a national-level Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital on Monday, organised to reinforce the commitment towards greater participation of women in shaping India’s development trajectory. It will also highlight the increasing role of women in governance and leadership from panchayats to Parliament.

The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended, and a special three-day sitting has been convened on April 16 to 18. The women’s reservation Act will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women.

“After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true spirit across the country. It is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with women’s reservation in place,” Modi said the letter dated April 11.

Noting that the implementation of the women’s reservation Act in 2029 would infuse new energy into India’s democratic institutions and strengthen public trust, Modi said that it would also ensure greater participation and representation in governance. “I am writing this letter so that we may all come together in one voice to pass this amendment,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister said he was writing the letter so that all parties come together to pass this amendment in one voice during the “historic discussion” that is set to take place in Parliament from April 16.

“This special sitting is an opportunity to further strengthen our democracy. It is also a moment to reiterate our collective commitment to moving forward together, taking everyone along,” Modi wrote, adding, “I am writing this letter to you with this spirit and purpose.”

The Prime Minister highlighted that the issue of women’s reservation in Parliament and state legislatures has been discussed for decades. In 2023, members of Parliament across party lines came together to support the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

He added that during those deliberations the timing of its implementation was also touched upon, and there was a broad consensus that the provisions of this historic law should become effective at the earliest.

“Leaders from many parties were of this view. In the recent past, we have held consultations with experts on this subject. We have sought suggestions and guidance from those well-versed in constitutional matters. We have also engaged in dialogue with political parties,” Modi wrote. “Since all political parties have expressed the desire to increase women’s representation in politics for a long time, this is the right time to turn that aspiration into reality.”

“From space to sports, from the armed forces to start-ups, India’s daughters are making an impact in every field. With their hard work and determination, they are proving their capabilities,” Modi wrote. The Prime Minister said the women represent nearly half of the country’s population. The reservation for women in Parliament and state Assemblies is a strong step towards enhancing their participation in the political domain.

Referring to September 20 and September 21, 2023, when the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha respectively passed the women’s reservation law, Modi wrote, “I consider that day an important and inspiring milestone in India’s parliamentary journey. Several members of Parliament contributed to the discussion on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”

Modi said this would be a great achievement for the nation’s Nari Shakti and for 140 crore Indians. “I have full confidence that we will all come together and achieve this historic feat in Parliament,” he wrote, asserting that the MPs who contribute to the implementation of the women’s quota will always take pride in having been part of this historic effort.