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PM Modi Sets 2029 Deadline for Women's Reservation Law Implementation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures, will be implemented by 2029. He called for collective efforts across party lines to pass the required constitutional amendments, noting the law was passed unanimously in 2023. The implementation is tied to a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 census data, which could increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816. A special Parliament session beginning April 16 will discuss the Amendment and Delimitation Bills necessary to enact the reservation.

Key Points: PM Modi: Women's Reservation Law to be Implemented by 2029

  • 2029 deadline for women's quota
  • Bill tied to census & delimitation
  • Parliament session from April 16
  • Lok Sabha seats may increase to 816
  • No provision for OBC reservation
3 min read

"Opposition demanded Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam be implemented by 2029": PM Modi

PM Modi affirms 2029 deadline for Nari Shakti Vandan Act, calls for cross-party support to pass constitutional amendments for 33% women's quota.

"We are keeping the 2029 deadline in mind - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, April 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday affirmed 2029 as the deadline for implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, calling for collective efforts across party lines to pass the proposed amendment to the statute.

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam tied women's reservation to the new census and delimitation. Due to census delays, the Centre plans to proceed with the 2011 census data for delimitation and implementation of one-third reservation for women legislators.

Amid opposition to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi noted that Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was unanimously passed in Parliament in 2023, and it was opposition parties which demanded the implementation before 2029.

Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan in the national capital, the Prime Minister said, "When the Nari Shakti Vandan Act was introduced in 2023, all parties had also passed it unanimously. There was also a unanimous demand that it should be implemented by 2029 at any cost. In particular, all our opposition colleagues had emphasised that it should be implemented by 2029. We are keeping the 2029 deadline in mind; a comprehensive discussion on this is going to take place in Parliament from April 16. It is our endeavour and our desire that this work be done with mutual cooperation and participation, this time too. With everyone's collective efforts, the dignity of the entire House will reach new heights. Every woman in the country will also be happy that every party has risen above politics and taken up this important task for their benefit."

Further, PM Modi noted Panchayati Raj institutions as an example of reservation for women in governance. He said, "Panchayati Raj institutions are also an excellent example of women's leadership in our country. Today, more than 14 lakh women are successfully working in local government bodies in India. In nearly 21 states, their participation in panchayats has reached almost 50 per cent."

He also noted that key positions, including the President, Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, have been held by women at different points in time.

"In our country, women have established their own distinct legacy, holding esteemed positions from President to Prime Minister. Even today, key roles such as President and Finance Minister are being capably managed by women, further enhancing the nation's pride," the Prime Minister said.

He affirmed the Centre's commitment to empower women.

He said, "Since 2014, our government has introduced and successfully implemented schemes to support women at every stage of life. Today, from the moment a woman is born until her last breath, our government is dedicated to serving and empowering the women of our nation."

The Parliament is set to meet for a three-day special session from April 16, to move the Amendment Bill to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and a Delimitation Bill to implement the one-third reservation for women legislators.

Through the delimitation process, the Lok Sabha seats may increase from 543 to 816 post-amendment.

Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments for women's reservation. Keeping up with the status quo, there is no provision for OBC reservation, and SC/ST reservation will continue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see a firm deadline, but why wait until 2029? The bill was passed in 2023. If the political will is truly there, the process could be expedited. Using 2011 census data also seems outdated for such an important delimitation exercise.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's impressive to see India taking such a significant step for gender equality in politics. The increase in Lok Sabha seats is also a major structural change. The success of women in Panchayati Raj is a strong precedent.
A
Aman W
The bill's passage was unanimous, which is a rare and positive sign in our politics. However, the real test will be the implementation. The lack of OBC reservation within this women's quota is a missed opportunity for more inclusive representation.
M
Meera T
My mother is a sarpanch in our village, and she has done wonders for our community. Bringing that energy and ground-level experience to Parliament will change the nation's priorities for the better. 2029 can't come soon enough! 💪
V
Vikram M
The PM is right to highlight that key positions have been held by women. But true empowerment is about numbers at all levels, not just a few top posts. This reservation will ensure a critical mass of women's voices are heard in law-making. A necessary reform.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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