‘To describe (the women’s quota bill) as merely a legislative exercise would be an understatement. It is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of people across India’

In the coming days, India will be immersed in the festive season, with celebrations taking place across the country. People of Assam will celebrate Rongali Bihu while Odisha will celebrate Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. In West Bengal, Poila Boishakh will mark the beginning of the Bengali New Year and in Kerala, Vishu will be celebrated with great enthusiasm. In Tamil Nadu, Puthandu will be celebrated while in Punjab and other parts of North India, it will be Baisakhi, which will usher in a sense of hope as well as positivity. I extend my best wishes to all those in India and around the world who are celebrating these festivals. May this auspicious occasion bring happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life.Additionally, on April 11, we will begin the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Phule and on April 14, India will pay tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti.Apart from these special occasions, when the spirit of renewal fills our hearts and minds, our nation stands at the threshold of another historic occasion. This is an opportunity to deepen the foundations of our democracy and reaffirm our collective commitment to equality and inclusion.Parliament will convene on April 16 to discuss and pass an important bill that will advance women’s reservation. It would be an exaggeration to describe it merely as a legislative exercise. It is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of women across India. It is an affirmation of the principle that has long guided our civilizational ethos, that society progresses when women progress.Almost half of India’s population is women. His contribution to our nation is immense and invaluable. Today India is witnessing remarkable achievements of women in every field. From science and technology to entrepreneurship, from sports to the armed forces and from music to the arts, women are at the forefront of India’s progress. Over the years, sustained efforts have been made to create an enabling environment for women empowerment. Better access to education, better health care, better financial inclusion and better access to basic amenities have strengthened the foundation of women’s participation in economic and social life.Yet, their representation in the world of politics and legislative bodies has not always been commensurate with their role in society. This is particularly unfortunate because when women participate in governance and decision making, they bring with them experiences and insights that enrich public discussion and improve the quality of governance.It is necessary that the Lok Sabha elections of 2029 and the upcoming assembly elections of various states be conducted with women’s reservation. Over the decades, repeated efforts have been made by previous governments to give women their rightful place in democratic institutions. Committees were formed, drafts of bills were introduced, but they never saw the light of day. But there remains broad consensus that women’s representation in legislative bodies needs to be increased. In September 2023, the Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act with a spirit of consensus. I consider this one of the most special occasions of my life.This opportunity to ensure women’s reservation also deeply matches the spirit of our Constitution. The makers of our Constitution had envisioned a society where equality is both established and realized in practice. Strengthening women’s participation in legislative institutions is an important step toward achieving that vision. It reflects our commitment towards building a society where every citizen has an equal stake in shaping the destiny of the country.This is a moment that can no longer be avoided. Every delay in advancing women’s representation is, in fact, a delay in strengthening the quality and inclusivity of our democracy. For decades, the need for greater participation of women in legislative institutions has been acknowledged, discussed and affirmed. To postpone action now would mean exacerbating the imbalance we already recognize and have the ability to correct. At a time when India is moving forward with confidence and purpose, it is essential that our institutions reflect the aspirations of all citizens, especially half of its population. Timely action will not only honor long-standing commitments but also ensure that the momentum of progress is sustained. This is truly a historic opportunity to make our democracy more representative, accountable and future-ready.This moment demands collective action. This is not about any one government, party or individual. It is about the entire nation recognizing the importance of this step and coming together to make it happen. We owe this to our women power. The passage of a Bill for women’s reservation should therefore reflect the widest possible consensus and be guided by the broader national interest. Such occasions call us to work not for ourselves, but for future generations. They remind us that the true strength of democracy lies in its ability to evolve and become more inclusive over time.As we approach this historic Parliament meeting, I appeal to all Members of Parliament, irrespective of party lines, to come together in support of this important step for the women of India. Let us seize this opportunity with a sense of responsibility and purpose. Let us act in a manner that reflects the highest traditions of our democracy.India has always shown that when it comes to matters of national importance, it can rise above differences and work with unity. This is such a moment. Let us move forward together and strengthen the constitutional values ​​and empower our women power for national progress.