‘History is about to be made’: PM Modi says women’s reservation bill will strengthen democracy

New Delhi: India is “on the verge of making history” as the long-pending reservation for women in the legislature nears implementation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, claiming the reforms would deepen democracy and accelerate women-led development.Addressing the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said the proposed legislation reflects the collective aspirations that are emerging across the country. He said Parliament was now on the verge of taking decisive steps to reshape political representation. PM Modi went on to add, “I have noticed that in the past few days, women across the country are raising their voices on this topic. Entering the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha will give wings to their dreams.” From the freedom struggle to the decisions of the Constituent Assembly, Indian women contributed immensely to laying the foundation of India’s independence… Whatever office women held in our country, from President to Prime Minister, they created their own unique legacy. Even today, women hold important positions from president to finance minister. They enhance the dignity and pride of the country. Today, more than 1.4 million women are successfully serving in local government bodies in India. In about 21 states, their participation in panchayats has reached nearly 50%. Whenever I discuss this topic with foreign guests, they are speechless. They were surprised. This is not an ordinary thing. Millions of women are actively participating in political and social life, surprising even the world’s most famous leaders and political pundits, which has brought immense pride to India…”He added that the government is committed to implementing the constitutional amendments within a clear timetable. “There is also a unanimous demand that the bill (Women Empowerment Bill) be implemented at all costs by 2029… We keep the 2029 deadline in mind and Parliament will discuss it comprehensively from April 16. Our effort and desire is to get it done this time also with mutual cooperation and participation.”.. With everyone’s collective efforts, the dignity of the entire house will reach new heights. Every woman in the country will also be happy that every political party has risen above politics to take up this important task for their benefit…”Describing the move as transformative, he said: “This decision is committed to women’s empowerment. It is committed to respecting women’s empowerment. Our country’s parliament is about to make new history.” A new history will realize the concepts of the past. A man who will realize his future resolutions. This is a resolution about an egalitarian India where social justice is not just a slogan but a natural part of our work culture and decision-making process. From state to national parliaments, the decades of waiting have come to an end; today are April 16, 17 and 18…”Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the Center’s push for Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 and said the proposed 33% reservation will be implemented in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies women empowerment In “auto mode”.She said the initiative reflected the shift towards women-led development and highlighted the welfare measures introduced by the current government. National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also praised the legislation, saying it fulfills Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision for greater women’s political representation and marks a structural change in the decision-making space.The government is expected to introduce the constitutional amendment and delimitation bill at a special parliamentary session on April 16.