13 April,2026 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
PM Modi addresses the `Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan`, at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. PIC/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Monday said that India is on the verge of taking one of the most important decisions of the 21st century, bringing in a legislation focused on women's reservation. Speaking at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, he described the move as a historic step dedicated to "Nari Shakti," or women's power, news agency ANI reported.
The national-level gathering was organised to build support for implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Several women leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Annpurna Devi, were present at the event.
PM Modi emphasised that the decision would not only empower women but also strengthen the country's governance system by making social justice a natural part of decision-making.
PM Modi highlighted that the idea of reserving seats for women in legislative bodies has been discussed for nearly four decades. According to him, all political parties and multiple generations have contributed to this conversation over time.
"The need to provide reservations for women in democratic structures has been felt by everyone for decades," he said, underlining the long-standing consensus on the issue. He added that the country has now reached a point where this long-pending demand can finally be fulfilled, as per the news agency.
In his address, PM Modi said the proposed step would help create a more equal society where social justice is not just a slogan but a lived reality, ANI reported.
"Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past, that will fulfill 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, stressing that the move would turn past visions into reality while shaping a better future.
PM Modi announced that a detailed discussion on the Women's Empowerment Act will begin in Parliament from April 16. He also mentioned that there has been a broad agreement to implement the legislation by 2029, ANI reported.
"There was also a unanimous demand that it (Women's Empowerment Act) should be implemented by 2029 at any cost... We are keeping the 2029 deadline in mind, a comprehensive discussion on this is going to take place in Parliament from April 16th. It is our endeavour and our desire that this work be done with mutual cooperation and participation, this time too... With everyone's collective efforts, the dignity of the entire House will reach new heights," he said.
PM Modi expressed hope that all political parties would work together beyond politics to pass the legislation, ensuring greater dignity for Parliament and satisfaction for women across the country.
He concluded by expressing confidence that collective efforts would make this initiative successful and meaningful for women nationwide.
(With ANI Inputs)
