Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has appealed to leaders across political parties, including allies, opposition members and Members of Parliament, to come together in support of implementing women’s legislative representation.
The appeal comes ahead of a special sitting of Parliament scheduled to begin on April 16, which the Chief Minister described as a critical moment in India’s democratic journey.
Sawant said the focus is now on operationalising the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, enacted in 2023, in line with the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, “the nation is at a watershed moment” and called for collective political will to advance the reform.
Highlighting the broader significance of the move, Sawant said the progress of society depends on the extent to which women are empowered to lead and participate in decision-making. He noted that legislative institutions must reflect the contributions women are already making across sectors.
The Chief Minister added that the proposal follows consultations with constitutional experts and represents a step toward fulfilling a long-standing national commitment. He said the initiative is expected to deepen democratic participation and strengthen governance.
Calling the effort one that goes beyond political differences, Sawant urged stakeholders to adopt a constructive approach and support the measure in the larger interest of gender equity and democratic strengthening.
The Centre is planning amendments that would increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816. Of these, at least 273 seats are proposed to be reserved for women, accounting for roughly one-third of the total strength.
The Union Cabinet has already approved a draft amendment bill linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The proposal aims to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in both Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, with provisions that include representation for women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023, provides the legal framework for this reservation, marking a significant step toward increasing women’s representation in Indian politics.
Leave a Reply