‘On the cusp of history’: PM Modi renews pitch for quota for women in Indian legislatures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India is “on the cusp of history” as the country moves closer to implementing a constitutional provision for women’s reservation in legislatures. He was speaking at the Nari Shakti Vandan programme held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

The PM said that the moment marked a major step towards fulfilling long-standing demands for greater representation of women in Parliament and state assemblies. During his address, he also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, noting the significance of the occasion coinciding with Baisakhi and regional new year celebrations.

Modi said the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in 2023 had already created history, and its timely implementation, by 2029, would further strengthen India’s democratic system. He said a special session during the Budget Session beginning April 16 would focus on moving this process forward through consultation and consensus.

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He added that the law reflects his government's broader commitment to social justice and equal participation. “The wait of decades is coming to an end,” he said, adding that women’s participation in legislatures would make democracy more inclusive and sensitive.

Women’s role in public life

The PM said that women in India have always played an important role from the freedom struggle to the framing of the Constitution. He pointed out that today women hold top constitutional positions, including the President of India, and are active in governance at all levels.

He highlighted the success of women in local governance, noting that over 14 lakh women are working in panchayati raj institutions. In about 21 states, their representation in panchayats has reached nearly 50 percent, he said.

The PM said that this growing participation has improved decision-making, especially in sectors such as health, education, water and nutrition. He cited the success of schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission as an example of women-led community impact.

Government schemes and empowerment

The PM emphasised his government's women-centric welfare schemes that cover every stage of their life. He mentioned initiatives such as 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', 'Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana', 'Jan Dhan accounts', 'Ujjwala Yojana', and 'Ayushman Bharat'.

He also highlighted that over 3 crore women now own homes under PM Awas Yojana, and that more than 32 crore women have bank accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana.

Economic and social participation

The PM said that women’s participation in self-help groups has reached nearly 10 crore, with millions becoming “Lakhpati Didis” through rural entrepreneurship. He added that women are increasingly entering sectors such as aviation, defence, science and technology.

He also said reforms in maternity leave, education access, and safety laws have supported women’s participation in the workforce. Fast-track courts and new legal provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, he said, have strengthened protections for women.

The PM urged women to actively engage in discussions on the proposed reforms and share their views with representatives. He said India’s progress depends on expanding opportunities for women and ensuring their full participation in decision-making.