Reservation for women in legislative bodies is the biggest decision of the 21st century: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the introduction of the amendment bill for the implementation of 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' to provide one-third reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and assemblies as the biggest decision of the 21st century, saying it is completely dedicated to Nari Shakti. The Prime Minister, while addressing the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Program' at the Vigyan Bhavan here on Monday, ahead of the introduction of the amendment bill in Parliament on Thursday, said that India is going to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century, a decision that is dedicated to Nari Shakti. He described the moment as historic, saying that emphasizing the importance of social justice, the country is conceptualizing an equal India where social justice is not just a slogan but an essential part of the working culture.

The Prime Minister said that from state assemblies to the country's Parliament, the wait of decades is about to end. Mr. Modi said that in 2023, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was unanimously passed in the new Parliament building and all parties agreed that it should be implemented by 2029 at all costs. He said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam should be implemented in a timely manner so that democracy is strengthened with the participation of women. For this, a special session of the Parliament's budget session will start from April 16. He said that our effort and priority are to complete this work through debate, cooperation, and partnership, which will increase the dignity of Parliament.

Appreciating the nationwide enthusiasm found among women on the issue, the Prime Minister said that women across the country are expressing their desire to reach the assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Their dreams have got a new flight and a positive atmosphere has been created in the country. The Prime Minister appealed to all women to maintain active participation in the entire process and share their thoughts and expectations with their Members of Parliament.

The Prime Minister, while referring to the contribution of women from the freedom struggle to the Constituent Assembly, highlighted the unlimited role of Nari Shakti in laying the foundation of independent India. Women have done excellent work in every field for the country and from the President of the country to the Finance Minister, women are holding such important positions. He said that from the President to the Prime Minister, wherever women have been, they have made their own distinct identity. Mr. Modi, while terming the Panchayati Raj institutions as the best example of women's leadership, said that the active participation of millions of women in politics and social life is also astonishing the top leaders and political experts of the world and increasing the pride of India.

The Prime Minister emphasized that millions of women who have been working in local bodies for years have vast experience and are ready and eager to play a bigger role. The implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will prove to be a great opportunity in the lives of all these women. The Prime Minister said that the journey from Panchayat to Parliament is going to be easy. Referring to the important role of women in the journey of a developed India, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that his government has made schemes for every stage of women's lives since 2014.

Emphasizing the need to increase women's economic participation, the Prime Minister said that empowering women has been given priority in every decision and project, as a result of which women have become economically stronger. The Prime Minister, while highlighting the leadership of women in the startup revolution, said that more than 45 percent of the registered startups have at least one woman director. He said that the results of the 'Skill India Mission' started years ago are now visible through thousands of 'Drone Didis', who are bringing a revolution in agriculture by teaching modern farming through technology.

Mr. Modi said that the vision of development centered around women has challenged the old thinking and women are now touching heights even in those areas which were once considered to be the stronghold of men. Indian daughters are becoming fighter pilots and touching the sky. Mr. Modi said that compared to any country in the world, India has the highest proportion of female pilots.

Mr. Modi assured every mother, sister, and daughter of the country that the nation understands their desires and is taking every necessary step to fulfill their dreams. The Nari Shakti of the country has touched new heights on the strength of hard work, courage, and self-confidence. The Prime Minister said that we should collectively provide new energy to this power and expand opportunities for them.

The Prime Minister made a special appeal to women to take the discussion of the Nari Shakti Vandan program to every village in the country through personal meetings and social media. Every woman in the country needs to be made aware of this important decision so that she can understand its power, know her role, and have a clear dream of registering her presence from the states to the country's Parliament in the coming time.

He said that the participation of women in the decision-making process is a guarantee of a bright future, saying let us all take a pledge together that Nari Shakti gets her rights and becomes a complete partner in the decision-making process, this is the biggest guarantee of our bright future.