Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Parliament is on the verge of making history as it reconvenes for a three-day special session on April 16 to fast-track the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 2029, stressing that it is in line with the opposition’s demand for early implementation of the quota law.
The Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam Act was passed in 2023, but was scheduled to come into force after the ongoing demarcation and census process. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday agreed to introduce two bills during the special session to implement quotas ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and set up a delimitation commission.
“Each political party pushed it in their own way. In 2023, when the bill was introduced, all political parties passed it unanimously. Then it was decided with one voice that it should be implemented by 2029… No one wanted to pass the bill and not implement it, especially our opposition leaders. They were very vocal in emphasizing that it should be implemented in 2029. With this timetable in mind, the government decided to take seriously what the opposition said…” Conference on the issue.
Modi referred to the special session and expressed hope that the amendments to speed up quotas would be passed unanimously, with lawmakers going beyond party policies.
The opposition has opposed the government’s proposal to separate the delimitation process from the ongoing population census and form new constituencies on the basis of the 2011 census. The amendments seek to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, of which 273 are reserved for women.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the timing of the special session and holding it without taking confidence from it. He noted that 30 months have passed since the Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhiniyam Act was promulgated. He said in a letter to Modi: “…Now this special session has been called without taking us into confidence…”
He said that the government is seeking their cooperation again, without revealing any details about border demarcation. Karji said it would be impossible to have any meaningful discussion on this landmark law without details on border demarcation and other aspects. Karaj questioned the government’s claim of holding consultations with political parties.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took credit for passing the reservation bill in 2023 after hanging fire on it for decades. Campaigns were organized to highlight it as an achievement. Modi on Monday shared the credit for passing the resolution with all political parties. He added that when the amended bills are passed, it will not be a question of who won and who lost. He said: “…It will not be about parties…It will not be about who won and who lost. It is all thanks to the power of women, to Parliament, to all political parties, to those who have worked tirelessly over the past three to four decades… It is for everyone, with the support of everyone and for the good of everyone.”
Modi urged all political parties to unanimously approve the amendments. He said that the government is making an effort to pass it through dialogue, cooperation and participation. “I am confident that once it was passed Parliament’s pride rose [in 2023]“This time too, through the collective efforts of everyone, the dignity of Parliament will reach new heights,” he said.
Modi described the move to accelerate quotas as one of the most important decisions of the 21st century. “This resolution is dedicated to the power of women. Our Parliament is moving closer to creating a new history that fulfills the aspirations of the past and fulfills the dreams of the future. It envisions a country where social justice is not just a slogan but part of the culture of our work… April 16, 17 and 18 will fulfill the long-awaited promise.”
Modi noted that Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhinyam was the first legislative act taken up in the new Parliament building in 2023. He said: “…Today I seek the blessings of women across the country. I have not come here to give you any lesson; I have come here to seek your blessings.”
Modi said that the need for quotas for women has been felt for decades, and several parties and generations have worked for this. He pointed to the opposition’s demand for its implementation by 2029. He added that there are extensive discussions and consultations with constitutional experts to find ways to implement the quotas by 2029.
Modi said that implementing the quota system will give new wings to women’s dreams. He said: “I can feel that there is a positive atmosphere in the country… From the freedom struggle to the decisions of the Constituent Assembly, women have made an immeasurable contribution. After independence, women, who had the opportunity to lead, did a wonderful job for the country. We have had female prime ministers and presidents, and they have left their own legacy.”
Modi said there are more than 1.4 million women in local government bodies. “In 21 states, 50% of panchayat members are women… When I talk to foreign delegates about this, they are amazed. They are amazed,” he said.
He cited policies for the social and economic empowerment of women. Modi added that he has been stressing on women-led development, which will be key to the dream of a developed India.
“Several studies have proven that increased participation of women in decision-making processes leads to greater sensitivity and responsiveness within systems. The success of the Jal Jeevan Mission is a prime example of this, where women have played an important role at the panchayat level,” he said.
