Sardar Patel First Championed Women's Reservation, Says MP Manju Sharma

Jaipur MP Manju Sharma stated that the vision for women's political reservation was initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during his tenure in Ahmedabad. She emphasized that the new Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33% reservation, fulfills this vision and is pivotal for realizing a developed India. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma highlighted central government schemes like Jan Dhan and Ujjwala Yojana that have economically strengthened women. The conference concluded with a signature campaign in support of the landmark legislation.

Key Points: Sardar Patel Initiated Women's Reservation: MP Manju Sharma

  • Sardar Patel initiated women's reservation idea
  • Nari Shakti Vandan Act provides 33% quota
  • Schemes like Lakhpati Didi empower women
  • Act aims for transformative social change
  • PM Modi links women's participation to national progress
3 min read

Sardar Patel initiated women's reservation: MP Manju Sharma ​

Jaipur MP credits Sardar Patel for women's reservation vision, hailing the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as key to Viksit Bharat and women's empowerment.

"the vision of reserving seats for women dates back to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - MP Manju Sharma"

Jaipur, April 15

Jaipur Lok Sabha MP Manju Sharma stated that the vision of reserving seats for women dates back to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who initiated such a move during his tenure as President of the Ahmedabad Municipality. ​

She emphasised that the spirit of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reflects this very vision. Through this landmark legislation, women will receive 33 per cent reservation in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring their meaningful participation in governance, policy-making, education, and safety-related decisions.​

Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Women's Conference held at Birla Auditorium on Wednesday, MP Manju Sharma noted that the Act would empower women to play a pivotal role in realising the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). ​

She urged women to show their support for the Act by participating in the campaign. ​

She further highlighted that PM Modi firmly believes that true national progress is possible only with the active participation of women in every sphere. ​

Referring to India's cultural ethos, she said that women have always held a prominent place and are now contributing significantly across sectors.

She also outlined several welfare schemes launched by the Central and State Governments to empower women.​

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, while addressing the conference, stated that under the leadership of PM Modi, unprecedented efforts have been made to empower women since 2014. ​

He highlighted key initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, NaMo Drone Didi Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi, which have strengthened women economically and socially. He noted that campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have improved the child sex ratio, while the Swachh Bharat Mission has ensured dignity for women by constructing household toilets. ​

The Chief Minister further stated that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, houses are registered in the names of women, and clean cooking fuel has been provided under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.​

In Rajasthan, over two million women have received skill training, resulting in more than 1.6 million Lakhpati Didis. Additionally, the Lado Protsahan Yojana has benefited over 650,000 girl children. Financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been enhanced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500, benefiting around 400,000 women. ​

Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stated that women's empowerment lies at the core of governance at both the Central and State levels.​

She described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a historic reform that, for the first time since independence, provides 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. ​

She emphasised that the legislation will bring about a transformative social change by ensuring women's perspectives are central to policy-making and governance.​

On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Manju Baghmar, MP Manju Sharma, and Principal Secretary Poonam Sahai, along with a large number of women and students, participated in a signature campaign expressing support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support women's empowerment, I hope this reservation leads to genuine representation and not just political tokenism. The schemes mentioned like Ujjwala and Lakhpati Didi are good, but ground-level implementation needs to be stronger. Let's see how this plays out.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in India for 5 years, it's inspiring to see such a significant legislative step. Connecting it to historical figures like Patel gives it deep cultural roots. The scale of the schemes mentioned is impressive—1.6 million Lakhpati Didis is no small feat.
A
Ananya R
My mother always says "Yeh toh hona hi tha" (This was bound to happen). Our country's progress is incomplete without half its population at the decision-making table. The part about houses being registered in women's names under PM Awas Yojana is a game-changer for financial security.
K
Karthik V
Good to see historical context being highlighted. Sardar Patel was indeed a visionary. Hope this Act ensures that women from all backgrounds, not just urban elites, get a fair chance to contest and win. The real test will be in the next general elections.
M
Meera T
Finally! We've been waiting for this for decades. It's not just about seats, it's about our voices being heard in policies that affect us directly. The increase in financial assistance for mothers from ₹5000 to ₹6500 is also a much-needed step. More power to Nari Shakti! ✨

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