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Athawale Hails Women's Reservation Bill as Modi Govt's "Revolutionary" Move

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praised the Women's Reservation Bill as a revolutionary decision by the Centre that will reserve one-third of parliamentary seats for women. He detailed that the Lok Sabha's strength would increase to 816 seats to accommodate this reservation, with provisions for women from Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Athawale stated the bill fulfills the vision of BR Ambedkar by ensuring justice for women across all communities. His comments come ahead of a special Parliament session scheduled to introduce amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

Key Points: Athawale Calls Women's Reservation Bill a Revolutionary Decision

  • Bill reserves 33% of Parliament seats for women
  • Lok Sabha seats to increase to 816
  • Includes quota for SC/ST women
  • Fulfills vision of BR Ambedkar
  • Special Parliament session from April 16
2 min read

"Great, revolutionary decision": Union Minister Athawale on Women's Reservation Bill

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praises the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a great, revolutionary decision by the Modi government for women's justice.

"Narendra Modi's government has made a great, revolutionary decision. - Ramdas Athawale"

Hyderabad, April 12

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale hailed the Women's Reservation Bill as a "revolutionary decision" by the Centre, asserting that it would ensure greater political representation and justice for women across the country.

Speaking to reporters here, Athawale said the bill seeks to reserve one-third of seats in Parliament for women and would significantly expand the strength of the Lok Sabha. He added that the move aligns with the long-standing vision of social reformers and aims to provide inclusive representation across communities.

"A bill has been passed to give women in our country one-third of the seats, which is 33%. Narendra Modi's government has made a great, revolutionary decision. A special session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has been scheduled for the 16th, 17th, and 18th. A bill will be introduced to increase the number of seats for women to 273. The current 543 seats in Parliament will be increased by 273, bringing the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 816," Athawale said.

He further stated that women from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes would also benefit from the reservation. "Women from SC and ST communities will also have one-third reservation within the 273 seats. This bill will give women more power and provide them with social, economic, and political justice," he added.

Invoking BR Ambedkar, Athawale said the move fulfils his vision. "Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted justice for women of all castes and religions. My party fully supports this bill," he said.

His remarks come ahead of the Centre's plan to introduce amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act during the upcoming three-day special Parliament session scheduled to begin from April 16.

Athawale further expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects in multiple states amid the ongoing Assembly elections in five states and Union Territories. "BJP government will come in West Bengal. People are angry with Mamata Banerjee... This time, a BJP government will be formed. A BJP government will also be formed in Assam, and the people of Kerala also want change," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While the intent is good, I have concerns about the implementation. Will this lead to "proxy" candidates where the real power remains with male family members? The bill must have strong safeguards to ensure genuine representation.
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Sarah B
As someone who has worked in gender advocacy, the inclusion of SC/ST women within the reservation is crucial. True social justice must be intersectional. Hoping this translates into policy changes that address the specific challenges faced by women from these communities.
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Rohit P
Good move, but why mix it with election predictions for Bengal and Kerala? Feels like the minister is using this important issue for political point-scoring. The bill should stand on its own merit.
M
Meera T
My mother and aunts are so happy hearing this news! They've been talking about this since the 90s. Better late than never. Now, we need to ensure women from all backgrounds get tickets, not just those from political families.
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Karthik V
Increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816 is a massive logistical and financial undertaking. Has the cost to the exchequer been calculated? While supporting women's reservation, we must also be fiscally responsible.

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