Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam new chapter for women's honour: Sunetra Pawar
Mumbai, April 15
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party president Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday termed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a "historic and revolutionary step" in the annals of Indian democracy, saying that the legislation marks a new chapter in the honour, equality, and empowerment of women across the nation.
In a statement, Sunetra Pawar extended her heartfelt congratulations to PM Modi and the National Democratic Alliance government and reaffirmed that the Nationalist Congress Party stands firmly in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament.
She expressed total confidence that this historic Bill will serve as the "life force" behind the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Sunetra Pawar drew parallels between the new legislation and the rich tradition of female leadership in Indian history.
She paid tribute to several iconic figures, including Rajmata Jijau for providing the mantra of Swarajya; Maharani Tararani for her valiant protection of the state; Ahilyadevi Holkar for establishing a model of justice and welfare; Savitribai Phule for pioneering a revolution in women's education; Rani Lakshmibai for her bravery in the freedom struggle; and Indira Gandhi for showcasing female leadership in the modern era.
"This Bill is not merely about political reservation; it is a realisation of the glorious tradition of Stri-Shakti (Women's Power) that has existed in Indian culture for thousands of years," remarked Sunetra Pawar.
She further stated that the legislation ensures one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. She noted that this move would bring women from all walks of life, both rural and urban, into the mainstream decision-making process.
She said that the law provides new momentum to existing government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and overall women's empowerment.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde extended support to the proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam during the special session of Parliament on April 16, saying that this historic step will pave the way for the effective implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, proving to be a golden chapter in the journey of Indian democracy.
In a letter to PM Modi, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde stated that this initiative is not merely a legislative reform but a revolutionary transformation towards ensuring the decisive participation of women in governance and nation-building.
— IANS
Reader Comments
A historic step indeed. But the real test will be on the ground. Will this reservation truly empower women from villages and small towns, or will it just become a tool for political families? The intention is good, but execution is key.
Connecting this bill to our history, from Jijau to Indira Gandhi, is so powerful. It reminds us that Nari Shakti is not new to Bharat. This is about reclaiming that space in our democracy. Feeling very proud today!
As an observer of Indian politics, this is a significant democratic reform. The scale of it—reservation in both national and state assemblies—is ambitious. It will be fascinating to see how this changes the political landscape over the next decade.
Good move, but it's coming very late. This bill was discussed for years. Better late than never, I suppose. Now, alongside this, we need to focus on women's safety and education more strongly to create true empowerment.
My mother is a Sarpanch in our village. She has done more for our community than any man before her. This law will bring so many capable women like her into the mainstream. This is the real meaning of Viksit Bharat. 👏
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