‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’ Amendments to Be Taken Up in Special Session

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Parliament is poised to create “new history” as it prepares to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for its implementation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ in New Delhi ahead of a special three-day sitting of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the proposed amendments would translate long-standing aspirations into reality and mark a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable democracy.

“Our Parliament is close to creating a new history—one that realises the visions of the past and fulfils the resolutions of the future,” he said, emphasizing the goal of building an egalitarian India where social justice is embedded in governance and decision-making.

The Prime Minister noted that when the legislation was first introduced in 2023, it received unanimous support across party lines, with a collective demand—particularly from opposition parties—for its implementation by 2029.

The special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18 is expected to take up amendments to enable early implementation of the women’s reservation framework. The move aims to bypass the earlier provision that linked implementation to the delimitation exercise following the 2027 Census, which would have otherwise delayed enforcement until 2034.

Once the amendments are passed, the total strength of the Lok Sabha is expected to increase to 816 seats, with 273 seats reserved for women, ensuring one-third representation as mandated under the law.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in September 2023, provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies through a constitutional amendment.

The Prime Minister described the upcoming decision as one of the most significant milestones of the 21st century, calling it a true tribute to the strength and contribution of women in nation-building, and a decisive step towards empowering women in India’s democratic framework.