Ahead Of Parliament Session, Govt Moves To Build Consensus On Women’s Reservation Act

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government has sought the cooperation of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge for the passage and early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying any delay could impact its rollout ahead of the 2029 elections.In a letter, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed by Parliament in 2023, reflected a long-standing national aspiration and a collective political commitment to empower women."When the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed by both the Houses of Parliament in 2023, it was the result of a long-cherished national aspiration and a genuinely joint effort across the political spectrum. It reflected our collective promise to our Nari Shakti across the country."

He stressed the urgency of implementation, noting that delays could affect its execution before the next general elections."Even then, it was the view of most parties and stakeholders that it should be implemented as soon as possible. Today, we are in 2026 and if we don’t act now, it is possible that women’s reservation may not be implemented in time for the 2029 elections.""That is why, in our humble view, this is the most appropriate and logical moment to move forward with the necessary amendments."Rijiju rejected suggestions that the government had not consulted the Opposition, saying outreach had been ongoing."On the issue of consultation, I must respectfully disagree with any suggestion that the Government has not engaged with the Opposition."He said multiple meetings had been held since March 19, 2026, with several parties, including the Samajwadi Party, DMK and others."To place the facts on record, multiple formal meetings have been held since 19 March 2026 with all major opposition parties and our partners in the NDA."The minister said the government remains open to further discussions with the Opposition to ensure consensus."We remain fully open to sitting with you and your colleagues for any further discussion you may desire, since our objective is the same – earliest possible implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam."He also highlighted that the issue of women’s reservation has been under discussion for decades and urged support to ensure its passage.

"In view of the above and the overwhelming consensus already emerging, I most sincerely request your valuable support in ensuring the smooth culmination of this landmark legislation that will empower crores of women across the country."The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is more commonly known as the Women's Reservation Act.The Budget Session of Parliament has been extended, and a special three-day sitting of the House has been convened on April 16. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will ensure an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816, of which 273 will be reserved for women.The provision to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was brought by amending the Constitution in 2023.However, the women's quota would have come into effect only after the completion of the delimitation exercise on the basis of the 2027 Census. This means the reservation would not have been enforceable before 2034 under the original law.To implement it from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, changes are needed in the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam; hence, the government is holding a special session to pass the amendments to the law.Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are conducted with women's reservation in place and asked all political parties to come together in one voice to pass the amendments to the women's reservation law.In a letter to the floor leaders of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ahead of the three-day special sitting of Parliament, Modi also said that any society progresses only when women have the opportunity to progress, make decisions and, more importantly, to lead.It is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with women's reservation in place," the Prime Minister said in his letter dated April 11.Modi said implementation of the Women's Reservation Act in 2029 will infuse new energy into India's democratic institutions and strengthen public trust and it will also ensure greater participation and representation in governance."I am writing this letter so that we may all come together in one voice to pass this amendment," he said.