Independence Day Celebrations / From Red Fort, PM Modi Urges Fast‑Track of Nari Shakti Vandan Act

New Delhi, Aug 15: Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged all political parties to come together and expedite the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which guarantees 33 per cent representation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Describing the legislation as a decisive step to strengthen women’s power, the Prime Minister urged parties to rise above political differences and champion the cause of mothers and sisters so they can contribute fully to India’s development.

“Let our mothers and sisters receive 33 per cent representation as soon as possible,” he said, emphasising that the nation must not only take credit for advancing women but also genuinely empower them as equal partners in building a developed India.

Highlighting the significance of the legislation, the Prime Minister recalled that the government had introduced the “Nari Shakti Vandan Act” in Parliament specifically to empower women.

He urged all political parties to rise above differences and champion the cause of women’s empowerment with sincerity and urgency.

PM Modi stressed that implementing women’s reservations should not merely be a matter of political credit but a genuine effort to empower women as equal partners in nation-building.

He called upon political parties to work together so that the constitutional promise of one-third representation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies becomes a reality at the earliest.

Describing women as a vital force in India’s progress, PM Modi underlined that greater participation of mothers and sisters in decision-making would enrich democracy and accelerate development.

He expressed confidence that once the reservation is implemented, women would bring fresh energy, perspective and leadership to public life, contributing significantly to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

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The appeal came against the backdrop of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which was passed in 2023 to reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. While the law has been enacted, its actual implementation is linked to the next delimitation exercise.

By making a direct call from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister sought to generate political consensus and accelerate the process.

The Prime Minister, by urging collective action from all political parties, positioned women’s reservation not as a partisan issue but as a national priority essential for inclusive growth and stronger democratic institutions.

(With input from IANS)