September 21 marked a historic evening in India's story. The women's reservation bill was successfully passed through the Rajya Sabha. After the President's signature, 33 percent of seats in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will be reserved exclusively for women.
Parliament Passes The Bill
After the Lok Sabha decisively approved the groundbreaking legislation, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam with a strong support of 454 votes in favour and just two votes opposing it, The Rajya Sabha unanimously backed the bill, with no abstentions or dissenting votes.
In the Rajya Sabha, a major point of contention revolved around the implementation timeline, which, due to the necessity of conducting a census and delimitation, is postponed by a minimum of six years. The INDIA bloc supports the idea of immediate implementation.
This marks the first bill to receive approval in the recently inaugurated Parliament building. Following its clearance by the Upper House, Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar extended his congratulations to the members, highlighting the historic significance of the achievement. He remarked, "This is a historic achievement, and congratulations are in order."
Leaders Welcome The Move
Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a 'defining' moment took to X, formerly Twitter and wrote, "My congratulations extend to the 1.4 billion people of India. I express my gratitude to all the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted in favour of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such unanimous support is truly heartening."
He further wrote, "With this, we initiate an era of increased representation and empowerment for the women of India. This is not just a piece of legislation; it stands as a tribute to the countless women who have shaped our nation. India has been enriched by their strength and contributions. As we celebrate today, we are reminded of the fortitude, bravery, and unwavering spirit of all the women in our country. This historic step is a commitment to ensuring that their voices are heard even more effectively."
Joining him in the celebrations were Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and many others.
Home Minister Shah wrote, "Today, a significant and historic achievement was reached in pursuing fair governance with the Rajya Sabha's approval of the women's reservation bill. By addressing a longstanding request, Prime Minister @narendramodi has delivered a strong message of gender equality and inclusive governance on a global scale. I sincerely thank Modi Ji and offer congratulations to all citizens on this momentous occasion."
Suggested Reading: Will Women's Reservation Bill Turn Tables For Female Representation In Politics?
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