NEW DELHI: In a significant announcement on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the government's intent to introduce a groundbreaking bill aimed at reserving one-third of all seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Prime Minister Modi expressed his belief that this endeavor is a divine opportunity to advance the cause of women's empowerment.
Delivering his inaugural speech in the newly constructed Parliament building, Prime Minister Modi disclosed the government's decision to introduce the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam" (Women's Empowerment and Respect Act). He recounted the history of the Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting that discussions had persisted over an extended period. During the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Women's Reservation Bill had been introduced multiple times, yet it had failed to secure the necessary majority for passage. Consequently, the dream of women's enhanced participation in politics had remained unfulfilled.
In a momentous turn of events, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the present moment had been bestowed upon him by a higher power to carry this mission forward. He proudly declared, "Today, God has given me the opportunity to take this forward...Our government is introducing a new Bill today that addresses women's participation in both Houses of Parliament," while addressing the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister Modi underscored that the passage of this Bill would not only reinforce the principles of democracy but also called upon all members to support it unanimously.
It's worth noting that the Women's Reservation Bill had previously been passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but had not been taken up in the Lok Sabha, eventually lapsing in the lower House of Parliament.
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