NEW DELHI, Apr 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Indian democracy would become stronger and more vibrant if the Lok Sabha and various state assembly elections in 2029 are held with full implementation of women’s reservation.
In a letter addressed to women across the country, Modi said that since women are excelling in multiple fields, it is only appropriate that their representation in legislatures is also increased.
He urged that the amendments to the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” be passed during the upcoming three-day special session of Parliament starting April 16, warning that any further delay would be unfortunate and a serious injustice to women in India.
“Our democracy will become stronger and more vibrant if the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and various Assembly elections are held with women’s reservation fully in place,” the Prime Minister said in a post on his X account.
He added that the daughters of India should not have to wait indefinitely for what is rightfully theirs.
“When the voice of women becomes stronger in our legislatures, the voice of democracy itself becomes stronger,” he said.
Modi also appealed to citizens to support the upcoming parliamentary session and the passage of the constitutional amendment, encouraging people to write to their local MPs in support of the move.
The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, passed by Parliament in September 2023, provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
The proposed amendments, once cleared, would increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women.
Although the constitutional amendment was passed in 2023, its implementation was linked to the delimitation process after the 2027 Census, meaning it would otherwise take effect only around 2034.
The government is now seeking changes to the Act so that the reservation can be implemented from the 2029 general elections, for which a special parliamentary session has been convened. (Agency)
