Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans to roll out a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, in line with the Opposition's demand for an early implementation of the law passed in 2023.
Modi made the announcement at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday, stating that the government is set to introduce two bills in the upcoming three-day session of Parliament, beginning April 16, that will pave the way for the implementation of 33% reservation for women.
The amendments seek to increase the overall seats in Lok Sabha from 543 to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women. Modi expressed hope that the amendments will be passed "unanimously" with lawmakers "rising above party politics."
The Opposition, however, is against the government's proposal to delink the delimitation process from the ongoing Census and carving out new constituencies based on the 2011 Census.
Modi shared credit for the passage of the Bill in 2023 with all political parties, stating that the government is making an effort to pass the bill through dialogue, cooperation, and participation.
The PM described the move as one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century and dedicated it to Nari Shakti (women power).
