April 09, New Delhi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wrote a blog highlighting the upcoming festive season across the country and calling for support for women’s reservation in legislative bodies.
He said that India will soon witness several festivals, including Rongali Bihu in Assam, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti in Odisha, Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, and Baisakhi in Punjab and other parts of northern India. He extended his greetings, wishing happiness and prosperity to people in India and across the world.
The Prime Minister also noted that the country will mark the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule on April 11 and pay tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14.
He said that India is approaching a historic moment as Parliament will convene on April 16 to discuss and pass a bill on women’s reservation. He described it as a significant step reflecting the aspirations of millions of women and emphasised that the progress of society depends on the progress of women.
Highlighting women’s contributions across sectors, he said their representation in legislative bodies has not been proportionate and needs to improve. He stressed that greater participation of women in decision-making would enrich governance and public discourse.
The Prime Minister said that efforts to provide women with representation have been made in the past, and recalled that Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in September 2023 with broad consensus.
He underlined that ensuring women’s reservation aligns with the spirit of the Constitution and is essential for building an inclusive and representative democracy. He added that delaying such measures would affect the quality of democratic governance.
Calling it a historic opportunity, he urged all Members of Parliament to rise above party lines and support the bill in the national interest. He said that collective action is needed to strengthen democracy and empower women for the country’s progress.
(File Photo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi)
