Bhubaneswar, April 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while strongly advocating for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, urged Parliamentarians not to let this significant opportunity pass. He highlighted the importance of implementing the bill in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, stressing that "women have not forgotten those who stood against their rights."
Speaking during the debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at the early implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, PM Modi emphasized that some moments in a country's history are crucial. He said that these moments require a society's collective mindset and capable leadership to transform them into assets for the nation. "Today's discussions on this important bill represent such a moment in India's parliamentary democracy," he remarked.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the concept of women's reservation was conceived 25 to 30 years ago, but it is only now, after years of refinement, that it has matured into a robust proposal. He praised the democratic process for its ability to improve over time. "This is the beauty of democracy," Modi said. "Our democracy has evolved over thousands of years, and today, we have the rare opportunity to add a new dimension to this journey."
Encouraging MPs to support the bill, Modi expressed that this moment would not only empower women but also shape the future of India's governance. "We have the opportunity to participate in a historic nation-building process involving half of India's population," he asserted. "Together, we can guide our country in a new direction, shaping a governance system that is more sensitive and inclusive."
The Prime Minister reiterated that the bills' primary objective is to increase women's participation in governance and foster a new political culture. "We are working towards creating a positive impact that will reshape our political landscape," Modi said. "I feel privileged to be part of a moment that brings half of the population into policy-making."
Concluding his speech, PM Modi remarked, "Women have not forgotten those who have stood against their rights." He then added that the vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) is not just about physical infrastructure like railways or roads, but about a society that thrives on inclusivity and progress for all. "Viksit Bharat stands for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (Together, Everyone's Development)," he stated.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha considered and passed several important bills, including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and The Delimitation Bill, 2026. While the Women's Reservation Bill received overwhelming support, opposition parties raised concerns regarding the Delimitation Bill. PM Modi urged for unanimous backing of all the bills, stressing their significance for the nation's future.
