Politics – Modi Calls for Unified Support on Women’s Reservation Bill
Politics – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged lawmakers across party lines to support proposed changes to the Women Reservation Act, describing the move as a reflection of the hopes and expectations of millions of women rather than just a routine legislative step.
Parliament Set for Key Discussion
The Prime Minister noted that Parliament is scheduled to meet from April 16 to 18 for a special session aimed at advancing amendments to the existing law. According to the proposal, the number of Lok Sabha seats could rise significantly, with a substantial portion earmarked for women. He emphasized that this initiative represents a critical opportunity to strengthen democratic participation and inclusivity in the country.
Push for Early Implementation
Highlighting the urgency, Modi said the goal is to ensure that women’s reservation becomes effective in time for the 2029 general elections and corresponding state polls. Under the current system, implementation depends on a delimitation exercise tied to the 2027 Census, potentially delaying it until 2034. The proposed changes aim to accelerate this timeline by basing constituency reorganisation on earlier census data.
Expanding Representation in Legislatures
If approved, the plan would expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women. Reservations would also apply within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories. A similar framework is expected to be introduced for state assemblies, ensuring proportional representation across regions.
Recognising Women’s Contribution
In his remarks, Modi pointed out that women make up nearly half of India’s population and have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s progress. He highlighted their growing presence across sectors such as science, business, sports, defence services, and the arts. Despite these achievements, he acknowledged that women remain underrepresented in legislative bodies.
Efforts to Build Supportive Environment
The Prime Minister also referred to ongoing efforts over the years to improve access to education, healthcare, financial services, and essential amenities for women. These measures, he said, have strengthened their participation in social and economic life. However, he stressed that political representation has not kept pace with these advancements.
Importance of Women in Decision-Making
According to Modi, greater involvement of women in governance brings valuable perspectives that enhance policymaking and public administration. He noted that successive governments have attempted to address this gap, with multiple proposals introduced in the past, though many did not reach final approval.
Legislative Milestone in 2023
The passage of the Women Reservation Act in September 2023 marked a significant step forward, he said, describing it as a moment of consensus and shared purpose. Modi added that the legislation aligns with the vision of the Constitution’s framers, who sought to ensure equality not just in principle but also in practice.
Call for Collective Action
As Parliament prepares to debate the amendments, the Prime Minister appealed to all members to support the initiative in a spirit of unity. He said the moment calls for collective responsibility and a commitment to strengthening democratic values.
Modi concluded by stating that advancing women’s representation is essential for building a more inclusive society and improving the quality of governance. He urged leaders to act decisively, noting that delays in such reforms ultimately slow the country’s progress.