'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' historic step towards women's participation BJP

New Delhi, Apr 14 (PTI) The BJP 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, Union Minister Raksha 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 early implementation of the Act, for which a special session of Parliament will be convened from April 16 to 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 of 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," she told reporters here.
     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 elections.
     Once implemented, the total number of Lok Sabha seats will increase to 816, of which 273 will be 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 minister 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," she added.
     She cited schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, as well as initiatives like "Lakhpati Didi" and the expansion of self-help groups, to highlight the government's focus on women-led development.
     "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 said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)