New Delhi, Apr 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on all political parties to vote in favour of women’s reservation as Parliament debates historic legislation paving the way for 33% quota for women in legislative bodies.
Speaking ahead of the Lok Sabha vote, Modi said discussions began yesterday and continued till 1 AM, resuming again this morning. “The Government has addressed all apprehensions and misconceptions with facts and logic. All concerns have been addressed,” he said.
Highlighting the nearly four-decade delay on this issue, Modi stressed: “Now is the time to ensure that half of the nation’s population receives its rightful due in decision making. Even after so many decades of Independence, it is not right that women in India have such limited representation.”
He appealed to all members to take a sensitive decision by supporting the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and warned against any action that could hurt women’s sentiments. “Crores of women are watching us… our intent and our decisions,” Modi said, making the appeal on behalf of Nari Shakti.
