Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, on Wednesday, while addressing a gathering in Mumbai, hailed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ initiative. The CM highlighted that India cannot achieve the status of a developed nation unless women secure a 50 per cent share in the country’s development. Fadnavis further underlined the importance of equal participation of men and women across sectors.
Speaking at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ Women’s Conference organised by the Nari Shakti Vichar Manch, Fadnavis said the recently passed women`s reservation framework reflects a strong political will led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the move would significantly enhance women’s representation in the Parliament and state legislatures, ushering in transformative political, social, and economic changes.
CM Fadnavis hails `Nari Shakti Vandan`
A day after PM Modi addressed the gathering on the same initiative, Fadnavis also highlighted that the number of women Members of Parliament could rise from the current 73 to nearly 273 by 2029. He further said that this initiative will play a major role in enhancing inclusive governance. Fadnavis further urged citizens to unite in support of the initiative, describing it as a “historic step” towards gender equality.
The Maharashtra CM also referenced earlier attempts to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, including efforts during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, which failed due to a lack of consensus. He added, “The current progress was made possible due to decisive leadership at the Centre.”
Fadnavis expresses concerns over the census and delimitation
Addressing concerns over the census and delimitation, the Chief Minister clarified that the bill is based on the 2011 Census. He also asserted, “The 2021 census exercise was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and assured that the delimitation process would soon begin.”
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, MLAs Manisha Chaudhary, Chitra Wagh and Amit Satam, along with Vice-Chancellor of SNDT University Prof. Ujwala Chakradeo. Celebrities such as actress Raveena Tandon, actor Prajakta Mali, singer Vaishali Samant and designer Archana Kochhar were also present.
Fadnavis on Maharashtra’s women development initiative
Highlighting the significance of this initiative in the state, the BJP leader also highlighted Maharashtra’s progress in women’s empowerment. He noted that women now hold several top administrative positions, including the state’s first female Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner. He also pointed out that women’s representation in local self-governing bodies has reached 55 per cent.
While hailing the state’s step towards women`s equality, Fadnavis acknowledged past challenges such as the ‘Sarpanch-Pati’ trend but said women leaders are now increasingly elected on merit and performing effectively.
Citing academic excellence, he referred to an event in Nagpur where female students secured six of eight gold medals at AIIMS, underscoring women’s achievements across sectors.
Women achievers from various fields were felicitated during the event. In a symbolic gesture of support for the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ initiative, Fadnavis and other dignitaries gave a missed call to a designated number and signed a commemorative plaque, reaffirming their commitment to advancing women’s leadership in India.
