Jamshedpur MLA Highlights Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Benefits

Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur East MLA Purnima Sahu on Sunday said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is a historic step in India’s democratic history. She emphasized that this Act paves the way for women to transition from being mere “policy beneficiaries” to active “policy makers.”

Passed in September 2023, this constitutional amendment ensures a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly, including reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Women’s Empowerment: The Foundation of a Strong Society

MLA Purnima Sahu stated that political empowerment is not just a matter of representation but defines the type of society a nation aspires to build.

• Global Impact: Citing international research, she noted that increased female participation accelerates economic growth and inclusive development. Reducing the gender gap could potentially add $7 trillion to the global economy.
• A Decade of Progress: She highlighted that under current initiatives, 72% of houses under PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) are registered in women’s names, 43% of STEM students are women, and 84% of Stand-Up India beneficiaries are female.

Transforming Lives Through Policy

Sahu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for effective schemes that have improved the standard of living for women:

• Ujjwala Yojana: 10 crore gas connections.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Clean water reaching 14.45 crore households.
• Health & Welfare: Maternity leave extended to 26 weeks and significant improvements in maternal mortality rates.

Closing the Representation Gap

While women’s voter turnout has surged—accounting for 48.62% of total voters in 2024 with a 65.78% participation rate—their representation in legislative bodies remains limited.

• Historical Context: Women in the Lok Sabha grew from 22 in 1952 to 75 in 2024.
• Local Success: In Panchayati Raj institutions, 46% of representatives (approx. 14.5 lakh women) have already proven that female leadership leads to better governance in health, education, and sanitation.

“Representation does not increase on its own; balance through policy is essential. This Act ensures women have a direct hand in shaping the nation’s future,” Sahu remarked.

A Vision for “Viksit Bharat 2047”

The MLA concluded that female leadership shifts governance priorities toward accountability and social welfare. She asserted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is the cornerstone of a “New India,” where women are not just voters but the force deciding the country’s destiny and the path toward a Developed India by 2047.

The press conference was attended by former Potka MLA Menka Sardar, former State Women’s Commission President Kalyani Sharan, BJP Mahila Morcha President Neelu Machhua, and District Media In-charge Prem Jha.