Page 16 - NIS ENGLISH 1-15 May, 2026

New India and
Women-led
Leadership
Cover Story

Building a Viksit Bharat

Through ‘Nari Shakti’

India’s women are today excelling and making their mark in
every field. This transformation is not limited merely to women’s
empowerment; it is reshaping both the mindset and the capabilities
of society. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
India has witnessed a revolutionary shift in the direction of women’s
empowerment. Here are the key initiatives ensuring the active role of
‘Nari Shakti’ in building a developed India.

Rights and Legal Protection

Several historic steps have been taken to provide women with rights, security, and
opportunities. While the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ has ensured rights within
the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, ‘Nari Shakti’ is simultaneously
strengthening the Panchayats.

n Three bills were introduced to implement a 33
percent reservation for women, effective from the
2029 general elections:
n The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026

n The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill,
2026

n The Delimitation Bill, 2026

Since 1971-72, the number of seats has remained WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP... NOT MERELY
frozen; today, there are 127 constituencies SYMBOLIC, BUT FULL REPRESENTATION
According to the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti
with more than 2 million voters each. In these Vandan Adhiniyam, a proposal was put forward to increase
constituencies, the principle of “one vote, one voter, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 545 to 850. Since
one value” is completely violated. this constituted a Constitutional Amendment Bill, a simple
majority in Parliament was insufficient for its passage;
instead, a two-thirds majority was a mandatory requirement.
quent delimitation exercise, women would not have been When the vote was cast in the Lok Sabha on the bill—aimed
able to secure this right in the 2029 elections, despite the at ensuring the implementation of women's reservation
law having already been enacted. Consequently, by con- starting from 2029—it received 298 votes in favor and 230
vening another three-day special session of Parliament, against. This meant that, in accordance with constitutional
the Central Government once again demonstrated before provisions, the votes secured fell short of the required two-
the nation its unwavering resolve and its historic initiative thirds majority, and the bill failed to pass. Consequently,
to secure the rightful entitlements of 'Nari Shakti'. 'Nari Shakti' will now have to struggle once again to secure

14 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 01-15, 2026