Women’s Reservation Bill Reflects Aspirations of Millions, Says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Women’s Reservation Bill as a significant milestone that reflects the aspirations of millions of women across India. In an op-ed, he emphasised that the legislation embodies a long-standing civilisational principle that society progresses when women progress.

Highlighting that women constitute nearly half of India’s population, the Prime Minister noted that their contributions to nation-building are both vast and invaluable. He pointed out that Indian women are making remarkable strides across diverse fields, including science and technology, entrepreneurship, sports, the armed forces, and the arts, positioning themselves at the forefront of the country’s development.

However, he observed that the underrepresentation of women in politics and legislative institutions remains a matter of concern. According to him, greater participation of women in governance and decision-making brings diverse perspectives and lived experiences that enrich public discourse and enhance the quality of governance.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of implementing the provisions of the Women’s Reservation Bill in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and upcoming state assembly polls. He noted that while successive governments have made attempts to ensure adequate representation for women, these efforts often fell short of fruition.

Recalling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023, he described it as one of the most defining moments of his public life. The legislation, passed with broad political consensus, mandates 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

The Prime Minister also underlined the progress made in recent years toward women’s empowerment through improved access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and basic amenities. These initiatives, he said, have strengthened the foundation for greater participation of women in both economic and social spheres.

Calling for urgency, he asserted that the implementation of the bill should not be delayed any further. Strengthening women’s representation in legislative bodies, he said, is crucial to building a more inclusive and equitable democracy. Any delay in advancing this reform would hinder the nation’s broader vision of balanced and participatory governance.

The Women’s Reservation Bill is widely seen as a transformative step aimed at enhancing the role of women in India’s political landscape and ensuring their rightful participation in shaping the country’s future.