New Delhi | Union Minister Annpurna Devi on Monday said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was a "grand democratic achievement" and a "revolutionary change" for women's empowerment and participation in democracy.
Addressing the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan' here, she said, "Today's programme is a celebration of a new and inspiring chapter in nation-building. This is a sacred moment where resolve, dedication, and success come together before us." Among those present at the event were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and Union Minister Savitri Thakur.
Noting that the legislation was a result of years of struggle, Devi said it is "a grand democratic achievement born out of years of struggle and perseverance of our matrushakti" and "a revolutionary change that ensures women's capability, self-respect, and participation in democracy." Crediting PM Modi, Devi said it was his "firm resolve" that turned a long-pending reform into reality despite several attempts over the past three decades.
Highlighting women-led development, she said Indian women are becoming "flagbearers of development" and building a new global identity. "PM Modi, you have given us a vision through which the daughters of India are today becoming the flagbearers of development and are establishing a new identity on the global stage with your vision of women-led development," the minister said.
"This legislation is a constitutional proclamation of that change. What makes this decision even more special is that while several efforts were made over the past three decades, it is your firm resolve that has turned this transformation into reality," she added.
Referring to welfare initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Devi said these efforts have transformed women from beneficiaries to leaders and from dependence to self-reliance.
"The increasing participation of girls in STEM, the highest number of women pilots in the world, and lakhs of elected women representatives in panchayats reflect the proud picture of a changing India," she said.
She said the law will help incorporate women's voices into policy making, making governance more inclusive and sensitive.
"There are countless women in the country who are fulfilling their family responsibilities with dedication, commitment, and sincerity. This legislation will give representation to their voices and incorporate their experiences and perspectives into policymaking, making our people-centric policies more inclusive and sensitive," Devi said.
"Women's leadership, which began at the panchayat level, will now extend to state assemblies and Parliament, making Indian democracy more vibrant, just, and empowered," the minister added.
The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended, and a special three-day sitting of the House has been convened from April 16 to 18, during which amendments to the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', more commonly known as the Women Reservation Act, will be brought for its implementation in 2029.