New Delhi, April 11 Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said on Saturday that India has witnessed a "historic transformation" in women's empowerment in recent years, with women now leading the country's development journey.
In a post on X, Devi highlighted key government initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures; the Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at ensuring dignity and safety through the construction of toilets; the Ujjwala Yojana, which reduces health risks from smoke exposure; and the Mudra Yojana, which promotes financial independence among women.
The Union Cabinet has recently cleared a draft amendment bill to operationalize the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, more commonly known as the Women's Reservation Act. The proposed changes would increase the number of Lok Sabha members to 816, with 273 reserved for women, and are expected to be implemented in the 2029 general elections.
The government has extended the Budget Session of Parliament, with a special three-day sitting scheduled from April 16 to 18, during which the amendment bill is expected to be taken up for passage.
"Today, women are not just participants in development but are leading it," Devi said.
"Whether it's the historic step of ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures through the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, or providing dignity and safety to women by constructing crores of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, ensuring better health by freeing them from smoke through the Ujjwala Yojana, or enabling crores of women to become self-reliant through the Mudra Yojana, every initiative reflects a clear commitment to empowering women," she added.
Devi said India is moving beyond women's development towards women-led development.
The minister called upon people to collectively strengthen the movement for women's empowerment and contribute to building a strong and prosperous India.