Kiren Rijiju Declares Women's Reservation Bill Free of Controversy, Calls for Political Unity
Synopsis
Kiren Rijiju insists the Women's Reservation Bill is non-controversial, urging political parties to support its amendment without politicization. The proposed changes aim to implement the bill before the 2029 elections, fostering unity in legislative support.
Key Takeaways
No controversy in the Women's Reservation Bill amendment.
Seeks to implement before 2029 elections .
Urges political unity and support.
Upcoming special session on April 16.
Focus on empowering women in politics.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, emphasized on Tuesday that there is absolutely nothing controversial regarding the suggested amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill. He called on all political factions to endorse the bill without turning it into a political issue.
The Central Government is working to gather a consensus among various parties for the amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill, officially titled the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This legislation aims to provide one-third reservation for women in legislative assemblies.
Passed unanimously by Parliament in 2023, the amendment proposes to unlink its execution from the 2027 Census, opting instead to rely on the 2011 Census. This change is intended to facilitate the implementation of the bill prior to the 2029 general elections.
A special parliamentary session is scheduled for April 16 to deliberate on this matter.
In an interview with IANS, Rijiju stated, "The topic of women's reservation should not be politicized. To do so would be an injustice to women. The Prime Minister has made a straightforward appeal for us to rise above political divisions. The Nari Shakti Adhiniyam is a law that received unanimous support in Parliament. We have convened a special session to pursue a constitutional amendment to bring it into effect."
He also mentioned that the government has reached out to opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, asking for their support for the bill.
"We have requested Mallikarjun Kharge to refrain from politicizing this issue. We seek collaboration from all parties and parliamentarians; this endeavor will serve as a significant inspiration and send a powerful message globally," he added.
Addressing concerns voiced by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in a recent opinion piece about the Women's Reservation Bill, Rijiju assured that the full text of the amendment will be made available soon.
"We are in the process of publishing the complete bill for public access. Within this amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, you will find no elements that could be deemed controversial. Be it delimitation, an increase in seat numbers, or any other stipulation—there are no contentious provisions. Any attempts to raise questions would be politically motivated," he stated.
Highlighting the importance of collective ownership for this reform, the minister remarked that the bill is straightforward and contains clear provisions.
"There is nothing in this bill that anyone could possibly object to. It is a straightforward provision that will be put forth in Parliament, and that is why we urge widespread support for this bill. This is not about any single party taking credit; it’s a collective achievement for the nation," Rijiju concluded.
Point of View
The discussion surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill is crucial, emphasizing the need for legislative support and unity beyond political divides. The focus remains on empowering women and ensuring their representation in governance, reflecting a commitment to national progress.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Women's Reservation Bill?
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to provide one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies, promoting gender equality in politics.
Why is the amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill important?
The amendment seeks to delink the bill's implementation from the 2027 Census, allowing for its rollout before the 2029 general elections.
What did Kiren Rijiju say about the bill?
Kiren Rijiju stated that the bill contains no controversial elements and urged all political parties to support it without politicization.
When is the special parliamentary session scheduled?
The special parliamentary session is set for April 16 to discuss the Women's Reservation Bill amendment.
What message does Rijiju hope to send with this bill?
Rijiju hopes the bill will serve as a source of inspiration and a strong message of unity in women's empowerment to the world.
