Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday hailed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, stating that the legislation will significantly advance women-led development in the country.
Addressing a gathering at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ in New Delhi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she appealed for widespread support for the Act. Gupta also thanked the Prime Minister for various initiatives launched under his leadership, which she said have improved women’s dignity and expanded opportunities across sectors.
Pointing towards the Prime Minister, Gupta said, “Women can accomplish even the most difficult tasks when given the opportunity—you have conveyed this message.” She added that the country has moved beyond the phase of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ to an era of ‘Beti Badhao’.
Highlighting the historical challenges faced by Indian women, the Chief Minister said society has progressed beyond practices such as sati, child marriage, illiteracy, and female foeticide. “There was a time when even the existence of daughters was under threat. Today, the nation is moving towards empowerment and leadership for women,” she said.
Referring to developments since 2014, Gupta said women’s dignity and safety have been placed at the centre of governance. She cited key initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission for household toilets, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for smoke-free kitchens, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for banking access as major milestones in improving women’s lives.
She also noted that women are making strides across sectors, including education, nutrition, and defence, with many now serving in the armed forces and even flying fighter jets.
Citing leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman, Gupta said assigning women key portfolios demonstrates that leadership and decision-making are not constrained by gender.
Describing the Act as historic, she said the provision for 33% reservation for women in State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha is not just a legislative reform but a step toward ensuring women’s active role in governance. “This will open leadership opportunities for nearly 700 million women in the country,” she added.
Gupta urged women to actively support the initiative by participating in outreach efforts, including joining the campaign through a missed call on 9667173333 to strengthen the vision of women-led development.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Minister of State Savitri Thakur, and National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar were also present at the event, along with women representatives from across the country.
Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet is learnt to have cleared a draft amendment Bill proposing an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women, to be implemented from the 2029 general elections.
The Centre has extended the Budget Session of Parliament, and a special three-day sitting from April 16 to 18 is expected to take up and pass the proposed amendments.
