New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history today, marking the first day of the special joint session of the newly inaugurated Parliament House, where he announced a introduction of historic- the Women Reservation Bill- Nari Shakti Vandan Addhiniyam.
This landmark legislation will allocate " percent of seats in both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to women across India, setting the stage for a monumental shift in the nation's political landscape ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections".
In a poignant moment, PM Modi, who is the Leader of the both House of Parliament, took turn to speak in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
PM emphasized the significance of this announcement on Ganesh Chaturthi, a day that will be etched into India's history.
The event unfolded in the recently inaugurated Parliament House, where the old and new seamlessly merged, symbolizing the continuity of India's democratic journey.
A historical link between the two Sansad Bhawan is the ancient Syngol, a symbol of India's independence, which was touched and laid by the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
This sacred artifact, dating back to thousands of years from Tamil Nadu Sangam era now placed in new Sansad Bhawan, will serve as an inspirational guide for MPs and future generations.
Prime Minister Modi's address in the special joint session was marked by his recognition of the power of women in driving positive change in society.
He cited numerous examples of Indian women excelling in fields such as space exploration, sports, startups, and self-help groups.
Modi stressed the importance of women's active participation in policy-making and noted that India's commitment to women's development had gained international acclaim, particularly within the G20 forum.
PM Modi further highlighted the success of various women's empowerment schemes, revealing that millions of women had become proud bank account holders through these initiatives.
He praised the Mudra Yojana, which extended loans of up to ₹10,00,000 to women entrepreneurs without the need for bank guarantees. Additionally, he acknowledged that a significant portion of property ownership now bore the names of women.
Reflecting on the decades-long discussions and controversies surrounding women's reservation in Indian politics, PM Modi revealed that earlier attempts to introduce the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament had faced obstacles, primarily due to data constraints. However, this historic moment on September 19, 2023, marked a turning point, finally bringing the dream of women's political empowerment to fruition.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his address by celebrating this momentous day and emphasized its importance in India's journey towards gender equality. He urged the active participation of mothers and sisters in shaping the nation's policies and assured them of just and respectful representation.
The Women Reservation Bill, a groundbreaking constitutional amendment, is expected to fortify India's democracy by amplifying the voice of women in both the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies.
This historic decision is poised to have a profound impact on the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, underscoring India's commitment to gender parity in politics.
In a significant address to the Rajya Sabha at the new Sansad Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unanimous support in passing the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which is set to arrive in the Rajya Sabha from the Lok Sabha in the next few days.
PM Modi praised the collective effort of MPs in taking difficult decisions for the nation's benefit and emphasized the importance of rising above politics when addressing critical issues.
He noted that the Rajya Sabha represents the states, highlighting the strength of cooperative federalism in India.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of technology in governance, emphasizing the need for adapting to modernity.
He expressed confidence that India's progress will continue, and the centenary of independence will mark the country's victory as a developed nation.
He stressed the importance of women's participation in elections and announced the government's intent to pass the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
In conclusion, PM Modi urged all Rajya Sabha MPs to cooperate and expedite the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in the coming days.
The linking of the old and new Parliament House through the Syngol symbolizes the enduring spirit of India's democracy, and this new legislation promises to further strengthen the nation's democratic fabric, said Prime Minister.
