'Daughters Of India Cannot Wait Endlessly': PM Modi Says No More Delay On Women's Quota

Marking

the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday pitched strongly for advancing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, saying women’s participation in lawmaking is "non-negotiable" for India's development.In a letter released on Ambedkar Jayanti, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the architect of the Constitution and recalled his commitment to constitutional values, calling them a guiding force for the nation.

"Today, 14 April, is a day that holds immense significance in India's history. It is the Jayanti of Dr Ambedkar, who is widely respected for his enduring contribution to nation-building. I pay tribute to him and recall his commitment to constitutional values, which continues to guide our journey," PM Modi wrote."In the next two days, on the 16th, Parliament will reconvene to discuss and hopefully pass an important constitutional amendment relating to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. I am seeing that there is immense enthusiasm towards this. Women from all over the nation are expressing their joy on getting a stronger opportunity to contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat. "All of you, our Nari Shakti, are making your mark in every aspect of national life and this active contribution is one of the most gladdening developments of our times. Look at the world of startups.. so many of them have women in leadership roles. Sciene and innovation, which are guiding the progress of humankind in the 21st century, have seen an increasing participation of women. The same is the case in academics, literature, art, music, cinema, dance and heritage."Perhaps nowhere is this change more visible than in sports, where a quiet revolution has taken place. Indian women athletes are winning more medals, breaking records and challenging old mindsets. Their successes are inspiring several other young girls to pursue sports," PM Modi added.He further wrote, "Across India, at the grassroots, countless self-help groups and Lakhpati Didis are showing how self-reliance can be achieved and how other women can be empowered. With women excelling in several of the above fields, it is only fitting that we increase the participation of women in legislative bodies. In fact, this is a subject on which there is a broad consensus, not only in the present but also for several decades in the past."PM Modi further said it was "imperative that we do whatever is possible to add more vigour to our development trajectory and for that, the active participation of women in absolutely non-negotiable. It is this principle that led to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 and it is the same principle that has made the constitutional amendment the need of the hour. The daughters of India cannot be asked to wait endlessly for what is rightfully theirs. When the voice of women becomes stronger in our legislatures, the voice of democracy itself becomes stronger."