Political leaders cutting across party lines have expressed strong support for proposed amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act following outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed changes aim to expedite the implementation of the legislation, widely known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, ahead of the 2029 general elections, reported IANS.
The Prime Minister recently wrote to leaders of various political parties seeking their backing for an amendment Bill, triggering a wave of endorsements from across the political spectrum.
Broad Political Consensus Emerges
Senior leaders from multiple parties welcomed the move, describing it as a long-awaited step toward enhancing women’s representation in legislative bodies.
NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule confirmed receiving the Prime Minister’s letter and reiterated her party’s consistent support for the Women’s Reservation Bill. She stated that her party has backed the legislation in the past and will continue to do so, while also urging the government to provide clarity on its implementation framework, reported IANS.
‘Need of the Hour,’ Say Leaders
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC emphasised that the legislation is long overdue, noting that women in India have waited nearly three decades for such a reform. She highlighted that increased electoral opportunities for women would enable them to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute more effectively to governance, reported IANS.
Her remarks reflect a broader sentiment among leaders that the Bill is not just symbolic, but a necessary structural reform to ensure gender parity in politics.
Historic Step Towards Gender Representation
Sanjay Jha, National Working President of JD(U), described the development as a “historic moment,” pointing out that the proposed framework ensures one-third reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, reported IANS.
He added that the implementation is expected to take effect from 2029, marking a significant shift in India’s political landscape by institutionalising women’s participation in law-making bodies, reported IANS.
Debate Over Implementation Timeline
The Women’s Reservation Act, passed in 2023, provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies. However, its rollout has been linked to the completion of the next Census and subsequent delimitation exercise.
The proposed amendment seeks to delink its implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census. This adjustment is aimed at ensuring that the reservation comes into force in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Special Parliament Session to Deliberate Bill
The government has convened a Special Session of Parliament from April 16 to 18 to deliberate on the Women’s Reservation (Amendment) Bill. The session is expected to witness detailed discussions on the proposed changes and their implications.
Meanwhile, BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for pushing forward the legislation, stating that it reflects a strong commitment to ensuring equal participation of women in governance, reported IANS.
(With inputs from IANS)