Kashmir Impulse Desk
New Delhi, April 16
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged lawmakers to support legislation providing reservation for women in legislatures, saying greater participation of women in decision-making was essential for building a developed India.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi described the proposed measure as a historic opportunity to empower half of the country’s population and strengthen democratic governance.
He said the inclusion of women in policymaking would enhance the country’s development trajectory, adding that the moment should not be lost to political divisions.
PM Modi said that the issue of women’s reservation had been pending for decades and should have been implemented earlier, urging members across party lines to support the effort without politicising it.
He said women leaders at the grassroots level, particularly in local government bodies, had demonstrated strong administrative capabilities and were increasingly demanding representation in higher legislative institutions.
The PM also sought to address concerns around the proposed delimitation process, saying it would not disadvantage any state or region and would ensure fair representation.
Calling women’s participation a “right” rather than a concession, PM Modi said lawmakers had a responsibility to correct past delays and ensure adequate representation in parliament and state assemblies.
He warned that the electorate, particularly women voters, would closely watch the intent behind lawmakers’ decisions on the issue.
