New Delhi, September 22, 2023 – In a historic moment for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the women BJP workers at the party headquarters in Delhi yesterday, celebrating the passage of the long-awaited women’s reservation bill in Parliament. Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction in fulfilling his commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is not just another law; it symbolizes the unwavering commitment of New India to democracy and women-led development,” Prime Minister Modi passionately declared to the audience of women BJP workers.
He went on to congratulate the women of India for their patience and perseverance, acknowledging the significance of this achievement for the nation. “Today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every mother, sister, and daughter of India. On the 20th and 21st of September, history was created, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to shape that history. Generations to come will celebrate this decision. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed with resounding support in Parliament,” Prime Minister Modi affirmed.
Addressing the women BJP workers, he emphasized the enduring legacy of this legislation: “The Nari Shakti Vandan Act has received overwhelming support from both houses of Parliament, making a dream that India had nurtured for decades finally come true.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his gratitude to all political parties and members of Parliament who voted in favor of the bill. “When intentions are pure, and transparency guides our efforts, obstacles can be overcome, and success is assured. It is a remarkable achievement that the bill garnered nearly unanimous support in the new Parliament. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every political party and member of Parliament for their endorsement,” he added.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, a historic piece of legislation, has received unanimous approval from the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for reserving one-third of seats in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. Unlike the Lok Sabha, where only two out of 456 MPs opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the Rajya Sabha witnessed unanimous support from all 214 lawmakers present during the vote.
The bill, known as the 128th Constitution Amendment, or the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, will now proceed to state assemblies for approval. Its implementation is contingent on a delimitation exercise to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituencies, based on the upcoming census, scheduled to be commissioned next year.
As India celebrates this historic achievement, the world watches as the nation takes a significant step towards gender equality and empowerment.