PM Modi Urges United Effort to Strengthen ‘Nari Shakti’
Calls proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act a historic step to strengthen democracy and ensure greater political participation of women.
NEW DELHI, Apr 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to Members of Parliament to unite in support of proposed amendments to the Women Reservation Act, describing the initiative as a reflection of the aspirations of millions of women across the country.
In a signed article published on his official website, Modi emphasized that the move goes beyond legislation and represents India’s long standing belief that societal progress is driven by the advancement of women. He urged lawmakers to ensure that the provisions are implemented in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha and upcoming Assembly elections.
The prime minister highlighted that Parliament will convene a special sitting from April 16 to 18 to deliberate on amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aimed at accelerating its implementation timeline. The proposed changes seek to operationalize women’s reservation before the completion of the delimitation process linked to the 2027 Census.
Under the proposed framework, the strength of the Lok Sabha is expected to increase from 543 to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women. The reservation will follow a vertical model, ensuring representation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes within the quota.
Modi noted that women, who make up nearly half of India’s population, have made significant contributions across sectors including science, sports, entrepreneurship, and the armed forces. However, he acknowledged that their representation in legislative bodies has not kept pace with their societal role.
He stressed that enhancing women’s participation in governance would bring diverse perspectives, enrich policymaking, and improve the overall quality of administration. Over the years, efforts to pass such legislation had faced delays despite broad agreement on its necessity.
Recalling the passage of the law in 2023, the prime minister termed it a landmark moment aligned with the vision of the Constitution’s framers. He asserted that strengthening women’s role in democratic institutions is essential to achieving equality and inclusive growth.
Calling the upcoming parliamentary session a “historic opportunity,” Modi urged leaders across party lines to rise above differences and act in unity. He said that timely action on the amendments would reinforce constitutional values and contribute to building a more inclusive and representative democracy.
