Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the special session of Parliament commencing today as a “historic step” towards strengthening women’s empowerment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing the dignity and representation of women in public life.
In a post on X, Modi said, “From today’s special session of Parliament, our country is set to take a historic step toward women’s empowerment. The honour of our mothers and sisters is the honour of the nation, and with this spirit, we are moving forward firmly in this direction.”
The Prime Minister also invoked a Sanskrit verse, stating, “You rise and illuminate the world with your rays. The sages of the Kanva lineage have invoked you with their hymns for prosperity and abundance,” underscoring a cultural and philosophical perspective that places women at the heart of national progress.
His remarks come as Parliament convenes for a rare special sitting expected to deliberate on key legislative proposals, including measures aimed at boosting women’s representation in legislative bodies. The government has positioned these efforts as part of a broader agenda to promote inclusive growth and gender equality.
Women’s empowerment has long been a central theme in India’s political discourse, with multiple governments exploring ways to expand women’s participation in governance. While proposals for reservation have seen both progress and setbacks over time, the current session is being closely watched for tangible outcomes that could turn longstanding promises into reality.
Modi’s statement sets the tone for the proceedings, framing women’s empowerment not just as a policy objective but as an issue tied to national pride and civilisational values.