Jaipur, April 15 (IANS) Jaipur Lok Sabha MP Manju Sharma stated that the vision of reserving seats for women dates back to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who initiated such a move during his tenure as President of the Ahmedabad Municipality.
She emphasised that the spirit of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam reflects this very vision. Through this landmark legislation, women will receive 33 per cent reservation in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring their meaningful participation in governance, policy-making, education, and safety-related decisions.
Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Women’s Conference held at Birla Auditorium on Wednesday, MP Manju Sharma noted that the Act would empower women to play a pivotal role in realising the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
She urged women to show their support for the Act by participating in the campaign.
She further highlighted that PM Modi firmly believes that true national progress is possible only with the active participation of women in every sphere.
Referring to India’s cultural ethos, she said that women have always held a prominent place and are now contributing significantly across sectors.
She also outlined several welfare schemes launched by the Central and State Governments to empower women.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, while addressing the conference, stated that under the leadership of PM Modi, unprecedented efforts have been made to empower women since 2014.
He highlighted key initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, NaMo Drone Didi Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi, which have strengthened women economically and socially. He noted that campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have improved the child sex ratio, while the Swachh Bharat Mission has ensured dignity for women by constructing household toilets.
The Chief Minister further stated that under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, houses are registered in the names of women, and clean cooking fuel has been provided under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
In Rajasthan, over two million women have received skill training, resulting in more than 1.6 million Lakhpati Didis. Additionally, the Lado Protsahan Yojana has benefited over 650,000 girl children. Financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been enhanced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500, benefiting around 400,000 women.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stated that women’s empowerment lies at the core of governance at both the Central and State levels.
She described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a historic reform that, for the first time since independence, provides 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
She emphasised that the legislation will bring about a transformative social change by ensuring women’s perspectives are central to policy-making and governance.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Manju Baghmar, MP Manju Sharma, and Principal Secretary Poonam Sahai, along with a large number of women and students, participated in a signature campaign expressing support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
–IANS
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