PM Modi writes to parties, seeks support on women's quota bills

NEW DELHI: PM Modi on Saturday reached out to floor leaders of all parties in both Houses, seeking their support for the unanimous passage next week of the women's reservation bills that aim to earmark a third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and assemblies from 2029.

"After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true spirit across the country. It is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections are conducted with women's reservations in place," Modi wrote, signalling his govt's intent to push for passage of the bills during the session starting April 16. "Your support... will be the fulfilment of an important responsibility towards the women of our country," PM wrote in the letter exclusively accessed by TOI.

BJP will need oppn backing for 2/3rd majority on women's bill

The outreach comes against the backdrop of resistance by opposition parties to govt's plans for swift implementation of the quota instead of waiting for completion of the 2027 Census: something that would almost ensure that women's reservations don't come into force before 2034 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP will need the support of opposition parties to get the two-thirds majority required to ensure passage of the constitutional amendment in Parliament.

Stressing that the cause of women's reservation in Parliament and state legislatures was higher than any one party or individual, Modi said: "It is a moment to demonstrate responsibility towards women and future generations. Since all political parties have expressed the desire to increase women's representation in politics for a long time, this is the right time to turn that aspiration into a reality."

The women's quota bills seek to de-link implementation of women's quota from the findings of 2027 Census and propose it to be based on 2011 Census instead.

In his letter, PM recalled the unanimous support for the women's quota bills his govt had moved in 2023, terming it as "a memorable moment that reflected our unity".

He also seemed to address the opposition's reservations about the timing of the passage of bills by recalling that all parties had favoured early implementation. "During those deliberations (in 2023)... There was a broad consensus that the provisions of this historic law should become effective at the earliest. Leaders from many parties were of this view..." he said.

The amendments will result in the number of seats in Lok Sabha rising from 543 to 816, with 273 reserved for women. Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet had cleared the amendments, with three bills to be introduced: Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Delimitation Bill and a legislation to extend the reservation for women to Union territories, such as Delhi, J&K and Puducherry, which have legislatures.

In his letter, PM said constitutional experts have been consulted on the issue, and govt has also engaged in a dialogue with political parties.



The proposed amendments are a "strong step" towards enhancing participation of women who account for half the population, he stressed.
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