Historic Moment as Lok Sabha Passes ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ (Women’s Reservation Bill)
New Delhi, September 19, 2023: In a historic leap for India, the Lok Sabha has passed ‘The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023,’ popularly known as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ or Women’s Reservation Bill. An overwhelming majority of 454 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of the bill, with only 2 votes against it.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous occasion, stating, “It is a historic leap for our nation as the Lok Sabha passes the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ today.” He underscored that this bill, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would not only create a new chapter in the history of women’s empowerment but also promote equitable and gender-inclusive development throughout the nation. The passage of the bill reaffirms the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to women-led governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself hailed September 19 as a “historic day” when the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha. He urged Opposition parties to support and pass the bill, emphasizing the significant role women play in policy-making. PM Modi emphasized that implementing the bill was a divine calling, and he was chosen by God for this purpose.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes 33 percent representation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, marks a significant milestone. After thorough debate, the bill is expected to be passed later today. Unlike a previous bill that faced obstacles, this new bill holds the potential to make a lasting impact.
The Lok Sabha has allocated a seven-hour window for discussions on the bill, commencing at 11 am today. To be enforced, the bill will require the completion of a delimitation exercise, making it unlikely to be in effect during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
With 454 votes in favor and only 2 against it, the Women’s Reservation Bill has been successfully passed in the Lok Sabha, making it a significant achievement for women’s representation in Indian politics.
