India Nears Key Step on Women’s Reservation Rollout Plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India is approaching a decisive moment on women’s reservation, calling it a historic step toward strengthening representation in legislative bodies. Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan programme at Vigyan Bhawan, he emphasized that Parliament is set to open a new chapter aligned with long-standing aspirations for women’s participation in governance.

Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed in 2023, the Prime Minister noted the rare consensus among political parties and said efforts are underway to ensure its implementation by 2029 through dialogue and cooperation. He reiterated that social justice must extend beyond rhetoric and be embedded in governance practices.

A special sitting of Parliament of India scheduled from April 16 to 18 will deliberate on issues related to women’s reservation and a proposed delimitation framework. The discussions aim to enhance women’s role in decision-making across state assemblies and Parliament.

Highlighting growing aspirations, Modi said women across the country are increasingly keen to enter public life and contribute to policymaking. He encouraged them to actively engage with representatives and voice their perspectives. He also recalled the critical role women played in India’s freedom movement and constitution-building.

Pointing to grassroots success, he noted that over 14 lakh women currently serve in local governance institutions, with participation nearing 50% in several states. Their involvement, he said, has improved outcomes in sectors like water, health, education, and nutrition. Initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission have particularly benefited from women-led participation.

Meanwhile, concerns were raised by opposition leaders, including A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana, who cautioned against linking reservation with delimitation and called for broader consultations.