Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a strong pitch for the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Act, saying the country must meet the 2029 deadline and “end decades of waiting” for greater representation of women in legislatures.
Calling it a landmark moment, the Prime Minister said India is on the verge of taking “one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century”, describing the proposed law as a step dedicated to “Nari Shakti”.
The remarks came at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ in Delhi, where PM Modi outlined the government’s push to take forward the women’s reservation law. He said Parliament will hold a detailed discussion on the issue during a special sitting from April 16, signalling what he described as a crucial moment in India’s democratic journey.
The event was held at Vigyan Bhawan as part of a national-level outreach in support of operationalising the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023.
Parliament debate from April 16, focus on 2029 timeline
“There was also a unanimous demand that it (Women’s Empowerment Act) should be implemented by 2029 at any cost… We are keeping the 2029 deadline in mind, a comprehensive discussion on this is going to take place in Parliament from April 16th,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the government hopes to build consensus across parties. “It is our endeavour and our desire that this work be done with mutual cooperation and participation, this time too… With everyone’s collective efforts, the dignity of the entire House will reach new heights. Every woman in the country will also be happy that every party has risen above politics and taken up this important task for their benefit…,” he said.
He also pointed out that the demand for women’s reservation in legislatures has been under discussion for nearly four decades, with successive governments and political parties backing the idea in different forms over the years.
‘Parliament close to creating new history’
Referring to the law passed in 2023 in the new Parliament building, the PM said the upcoming discussions could mark a turning point.
“In 2023, in the new building of the Parliament, we introduced the Women’s Empowerment Act. So that it can be implemented on time, a special meeting of the Parliament’s Budget Session is going to be held from April 16th,” he said.
Calling it a defining step, he added, “Our country’s Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the concepts of the past. One that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolution for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not just a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process. The time has come to end decades of waiting, from the state assemblies to the country’s Parliament; it is 16th, 17th and 18th April.”
Women’s participation already transforming governance: PM
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing role of women in governance, pointing to their presence from grassroots bodies to top constitutional positions.
“I’ve noticed that over the past few days, women across the country have been speaking out on this topic. Reaching the Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha will give wings to their dreams,” he said.
He underlined that women have played a key role in shaping modern India. “From the freedom struggle to the decisions of the Constituent Assembly, Indian women have made immense contributions to laying the foundations of independent India,” he said, adding that women leaders have created “their own unique legacies” in top offices, including the President and the Prime Minister.
PM Modi further said that more than 1.4 million women are currently serving in local bodies, with their participation in Panchayats nearing 50 per cent in about 21 states. “Whenever I discuss this topic with foreign guests, they are left speechless… This is no ordinary thing,” he said.
‘I have come to seek blessings of mothers and sisters’
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister struck a personal note, saying his presence at the event was not to deliver a message but to seek support.
“I have not come to preach to you, nor have I come to awaken you. I have come today to seek the blessings of millions of mothers and sisters of your country,” he said.
He also noted the presence of former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar at the event, calling the moment part of a larger journey in India’s development. “India is about to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century,” he added.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi were also present at the event.