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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated 140 crore Indians on the landmark passage of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' (women's reservation Bill) in the Parliament, saying that it has ushered in an era of stronger representation and empowerment of women in the country.
Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi posted, "A defining moment in our nation's democratic journey! Congratulations to 140 crore Indians. I thank all the Rajya Sabha MPs who voted for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Such unanimous support is indeed gladdening." "With the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament, we usher in an era of stronger representation and empowerment for the women of India. This is not merely a legislation; it is a tribute to the countless women who have made our nation. India has been enriched by their resilience and contributions," he added. "As we celebrate today, we are reminded of the strength, courage, and indomitable spirit of all the women of our nation. This historic step is a commitment to ensuring their voices are heard even more effectively," PM Modi stated further in his post. The Rajya Sabha, which took up the Bill earlier in the day for discussion and debate, cleared it unanimously with not a single vote cast against the motion seeking the passage of the draft legislation. The Bill provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The Lok Sabha, on Wednesday,passed the Bill with a brute majority, with 454 members voting in favour of the draft legislation and two against. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal gave a brief reply to the day-long debate on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Upper House, saying that it will be implemented after following due process. Ahead of the voting, Prime Minister Modi urged the Rajya Sabha members to pass the Bill unanimously. He said the Bill will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country. All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing 'Nari Shakti'. Let us give the country a strong message," he said. PM Modi said there has been discussion on the Womens Reservation Bill in the two Houses for the past two days and over 132 members have taken part in the meaningful discussion which will be helpful. The amendments moved by opposition members were negatived and there was also voting on clauses of the bill. Rajya Sabha Chairman announced that the Bill had been passed. It is a historic achievement. Congratulations, he said. "It is only a coincidence...as per the Hindu calendar, today is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, he said. PM Modi folded his hands over the Chairman's remarks. The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' is the first Bill passed by Lok Sabha after it shifted to the new Parliament building on Tuesday. It will now be sent to President Droupadi Murmu before being notified as a law. The government introduced the new Bill on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the governments intention to bring 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'. In 2008, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government tabled the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, and it was passed in 2010. However, the Bill was never taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha. (ANI)
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