New Delhi, Apr 14 (PTI) Union minister Raksha Khadse on Tuesday termed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a historic step towards ensuring greater participation of women in legislative bodies and strengthening India’s democratic framework.
Addressing a press conference here, Khadse said the legislation, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, is not merely about increasing representation but also about enhancing women’s role in decision-making.
She said the government is moving towards an early implementation of the Act, for which a special session of Parliament will be convened from April 16 to April 18.
“This is one of the most historic decisions in India’s democracy, taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government as a decisive step for all women in the country.
“Today, women are already representing themselves in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. With this reservation, 33 per cent seats will be reserved for women in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas. This is not just about increasing seats, but also about ensuring a strong role for women in the decision-making process,” Khadse said.
The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended and a special three-day sitting will be held during this period, when amendments related to the implementation of the law are expected to be taken up, with the provisions slated to come into effect from the 2029 general election.
Once the amendments are implemented, the total number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 816, including 273 reserved for women.
The provision to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution in 2023.
Khadse said the foundation of women-led development was laid in 2014, the year Modi became the prime minister.
“While this decision is being implemented now, its foundation was laid in 2014, when the prime minister began addressing issues related to women, including their health, from the Red Fort, followed by the launch of several initiatives,” she said.
The Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports noted that women already account for nearly half of the voter turnout and their participation is steadily rising.
“When we talk about a developed India, women will have a very important role in policymaking. Women already account for nearly 50 per cent of the vote share in elections and their participation has been increasing in recent years,” she said.
“This is the right time for women to get their rightful representation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas through this reservation,” Khadse asserted.
She said women have already got reservation in local bodies and with this Act, they will be empowered from villages to Delhi.
“Women already have nearly 50 per cent reservation in local bodies — from gram panchayats to municipal corporations and councils — and are working effectively. Many of them are capable of moving ahead to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies and providing strong leadership,” she said.
“This decision is not for any one party or community, but for all women of the country, to strengthen women’s empowerment and take the nation forward on the path of development,” Khadse added.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi targeted the Congress, alleging that it had failed women in the past and should now support the legislation.
“At least this time, they should stand with the daughters and sisters of the country and fully support and welcome this law,” Ilmi said.
Referring to the passage of the law in 2023, she said Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, had earlier demanded its immediate implementation.
“When the Act was passed in December 2023, everyone heard Rahul Gandhi saying that this law should be implemented immediately.
“The Congress held 30-35 press conferences in different states demanding its immediate implementation. Why does it want to delay it now?” she asked.
“The women of this country have waited long enough. We want this implemented from 2029,” Ilmi said, while taking a swipe at former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi over the opposition’s stand.
“Sonia Gandhi must decide whether she wants this now or later. Earlier, she, her son and her party were demanding immediate implementation,” Ilmi claimed.
She defended the timing for implementing the amendments to the women’s reservation law, while questioning the opposition’s stand.
“Questions are being raised about 30 months of silence, while there was a silence for 30 years on the issue.
“Those parties that speak about women’s empowerment and raise slogans are now trying to delay this historic law. We want to ask why they do not want 33 per cent representation for women in Parliament and state assemblies from 2029 instead of 2034,” she said.
Ilmi said polls will continue to take place and rejected objections linked to the electoral calendar.
“When ‘One Nation, One Election’ is discussed, these very parties oppose it. Elections will continue to happen,” she said.
Khadse claimed that the special session of Parliament is being convened following demands from opposition parties and accused them of taking contradictory positions.
“They say one thing inside (Parliament) and another outside before the media, which creates confusion,” she added. PTI ADI RC
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