Historic Step Towards Women's Empowerment: Women Reservation Act Amendments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced amendments to the Women Reservation Act, signaling a significant move toward women's empowerment. The proposed changes, set to be implemented by 2029, will increase Lok Sabha seats and apply a 33% reservation for women in state and Union territory assemblies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized his government's commitment to women's empowerment during a special three-day session of Parliament. The session aims to amend the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', also known as the Women Reservation Act, to enable its implementation by 2029.

The amendment plans to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to a maximum of 850. This expansion is designed to activate the women's reservation law before the 2029 elections, following a delimitation based on the last published census. In addition, both state and Union territory assemblies will see increased seats to ensure a 33% reservation for women.

Modi highlighted the nation's dedication to honoring women, stating the respect for mothers and sisters is tantamount to respect for the nation. These reserved seats will rotate among different constituencies in states or Union territories, according to the circulated bill among Lok Sabha members.

(With inputs from agencies.)