Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the implementation of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies by the 2029 elections, urging all political parties to come together to amend the existing law to enable an earlier rollout.
In a letter to floor leaders of both Houses ahead of a special three-day sitting of Parliament, Modi said it was “imperative” that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are conducted with the quota in place.
“After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true spirit across the country,” he wrote in the letter dated April 11.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. However, its implementation is currently tied to the completion of delimitation based on the 2027 Census, pushing its likely enforcement to beyond 2034 under existing provisions.
To advance the timeline to 2029, amendments to the law will be required, which the government plans to take up during the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18.
Also read: Parliament special session from Apr 16, BJP issues whip to MPs
Modi said early implementation would “infuse new energy into India’s democratic institutions” and strengthen public trust by ensuring greater participation of women in governance.
“I am writing this letter so that we may all come together in one voice to pass this amendment,” he said, calling the upcoming session an opportunity to demonstrate collective commitment beyond party lines.
The Prime Minister emphasised that women’s participation is essential for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation, noting that women already play a growing role across sectors, from science and sports to defence and entrepreneurship.
He recalled that the passage of the law in 2023 saw rare bipartisan unity, calling it “a memorable moment that reflected our unity” and urging parties to carry forward that spirit.
Highlighting that women constitute nearly half the population, Modi said increasing their representation in legislatures was a crucial step towards inclusive governance.
“This is a moment above any one party or individual. It is a moment to demonstrate responsibility towards women and our future generations,” he said, expressing confidence that Parliament would come together to achieve what he described as a “historic feat.”
Follow us
