Former President Pratibha Patil has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing her support for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it a “historic” and “transformative” move for India’s democracy.
In her letter, Patil lauded the rollout of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament and state legislatures. The law, passed as a constitutional amendment, is seen as a major step toward improving women’s representation in politics, though its implementation is tied to future delimitation exercises.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil, a senior Congress leader, served as India’s 12th President from 2007 to 2012, becoming the first woman to occupy the country’s highest constitutional office.
Her remarks come ahead of a Special Session of Parliament set to begin on April 16, where amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, are likely to be taken up to pave the way for one-third reservation for women in Parliament.
‘Empowerment through equal participation’
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the initiative for historic implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” Patil wrote.
Calling it a landmark reform, she said the amendment “represents a transformative step in strengthening India’s democratic framework by ensuring greater representation and participation of women in legislative bodies.”
Drawing from her own experience as the country’s first woman President, Patil underlined the importance of political inclusion in achieving real empowerment.
“As the first woman President of India, I have long championed the belief that genuine women’s empowerment can only be achieved by providing them equal opportunities to shape decisions that affect the nation,” she noted.
She added that the law goes beyond a legal change and reflects a broader commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.
Patil stressed that increased participation of women in lawmaking would improve the quality of governance. “The enhanced presence of women in Parliament and State Legislatures will undoubtedly enrich legislative debates with diverse perspectives, lead to more balanced and empathetic policy outcomes,” she wrote, adding that it would also inspire future generations of women to take part in public life.
Highlighting the role of women in nation-building, Patil said India has consistently seen women excel across sectors despite social and structural barriers. “This legislation formally recognizes their immense potential and institutionalizes pathways for their leadership at the highest levels of governance,” she wrote, calling it a decisive step toward addressing historical inequalities.
‘Message of gender justice to the world’
Patil expressed confidence that the reform would encourage women, especially from rural and marginalised communities, to step into leadership roles.
“I am confident that this progressive initiative will ignite the aspirations of countless women… encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” she said.
She added that the move sends a “clear and powerful message” globally about India’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive democracy.
A long-pending reform
The Women’s Reservation Bill remained pending for decades, with repeated political debates over its scope and implementation. Its passage marked a rare moment of consensus, with leaders across parties backing the measure.
Patil concluded her letter by commending all those involved in bringing the legislation to fruition, calling it a “long-cherished dream” that will play a key role in building a more equitable and inclusive India.