India stands on the brink of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century as Parliament meets to end “decades of waiting” by amending the Women’s Reservation Act for its implementation in 2029, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

Addressing a conference of women here ahead of the three-day special sittings of Parliament beginning April 16, Modi said that the amendment to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ will realise the visions of the past and fulfil the resolutions of the future, as he hailed the contributions of women in governance and asserted that many of them are ready and eager for bigger roles.

“Our country’s Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past; that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolve for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not merely a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process,” he said.

Push for implementation timeline and political consensus

He also said that when the law was introduced in 2023, it was passed unanimously by all parties and there was a collective demand, particularly from the opposition, for its implementation by 2029.

The Prime Minister said that from the state assemblies to the country’s Parliament, the time to end decades of waiting is April 16, 17, and 18, when the extended Budget session has been scheduled for the consideration and passage of the amendments.

“In 2023, in the new Parliament, we took the first step in the form of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act... Amidst these crucial milestones in our nation’s development journey, India stands on the brink of making one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century, a decision dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti’.

“I say with great responsibility that this decision will be among the most important of our time. It is a decision dedicated to the empowerment of women, a true tribute to the strength and reverence of womanhood,” he said at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’.

Background of the Women’s Reservation Act

In September 2023, Parliament passed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, commonly known as the Women’s Reservation Act, that provided for the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies.

The provision to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution in 2023. Under the current law, the reservation for women would not have become enforceable before 2034, as it was tied to the completion of the delimitation exercise post 2027 Census.

To implement it from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, changes were needed in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam; hence, the government is holding the special sitting to pass the amendments to the law.

The amendments to the Women’s Reservation Act, when passed, will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women.

Women’s participation key to strengthening democracy

The Prime Minister said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam must be implemented on time so that the women’s participation strengthens the country’s democracy.

“Our effort and priority is that this work should be accomplished through dialogue, cooperation and participation, which will enhance the dignity of Parliament,” he said.

Acknowledging the nationwide enthusiasm among women on this issue, Modi said women across the country are voicing their aspirations about reaching assemblies and the Lok Sabha, and their dreams have received new wings and a positive atmosphere has been created in the country.

“I appeal to all women to maintain their active participation in this entire process and meet their MPs to share their perspectives and expectations,” he said.

Highlighting women’s role in nation-building

Highlighting the contributions of women from the freedom struggle to the Constituent Assembly, the Prime Minister ecalled their immense role in laying the foundation of independent India.

“Women who received opportunities for representation have done outstanding work for the nation. Even today, in our country, from the President to the Finance Minister, women are holding such important positions.

“From President to Prime Minister, wherever women have been, they have created their own legacy,” he said.

Panchayats and grassroots leadership examples

Citing panchayati raj institutions as an excellent example of women’s leadership, Modi shared that over 14 lakh women are successfully working in local government bodies now.

“In approximately 21 states, their participation in panchayats has reached nearly 50 per cent. This active participation of lakhs of women in politics and social life surprises even the world’s leading leaders and political experts, enhancing India’s pride,” he said.

Referring to various studies, Modi pointed out that when women’s participation in decision-making processes increased, it brought sensitivity to systems. This has led to more dedicated work on issues like water, education, health and nutrition.

“The success of Jal Jeevan Mission is an example where women’s participation at the panchayat level has played a major role,” he said.

Greater opportunities ahead for women leaders

Emphasising that lakhs of women working in local bodies and institutions for years now possess extensive experience, the Prime Minister said they are ready and eager for bigger roles.

“Implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will become a great opportunity in the lives of all such women. The journey from panchayat to Parliament is going to become easier,” he said.

Modi assured “every mother, sister and daughter of the country that the nation understands their aspirations and is taking every necessary step to realise their dreams”.

“The country’s Nari Shakti has touched new heights through hard work, courage and self-confidence. We must collectively give new energy to this power and expand opportunities for them,” he said.

Government schemes supporting women’s empowerment

Referring to the critical role of women in the journey towards a developed India, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that his government has created schemes for every stage of women’s life cycle since 2014.

“From the first breath to the last, the government stands ready to serve sisters and daughters with various schemes.

“We launched Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign to prevent female foeticide, provided Rs 5,000 financial assistance under Matru Vandan Yojana for proper nutrition during pregnancy, and started the high-interest Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to support daughters’ education,” he said, listing various welfare schemes for the girl child and women.

Published on April 13, 2026