Lucknow: In a strongly worded press conference held on Friday, the ruling dispensation defended its commitment to women’s empowerment and accused opposition parties of obstructing key legislative efforts aimed at ensuring greater representation for women in governance.
Referring to the recent developments in Parliament, leaders stated that parties such as Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC, and DMK had opposed crucial bills on April 16 and 17, alleging that their actions reflected an “anti-women mindset” and a betrayal of nearly half the country’s population. The remarks underscored the political divide over women-centric reforms.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the speakers reiterated that women’s participation in policymaking is not a matter of charity but a fundamental right. They warned that those who obstruct such initiatives may face public backlash, particularly from women voters, in the coming elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also quoted as dismissing concerns raised by the opposition regarding delimitation. He clarified that the process would not disadvantage any state and would instead ensure proportional and balanced representation, including safeguarding southern states’ interests. He also indicated that an increase in parliamentary seats by up to 50 percent could be considered.
The briefing further accused opposition parties of attempting to delay the process by raising what it termed “unconstitutional demands,” including religion-based reservations within quotas. Such moves, it said, were diversionary tactics aimed at stalling progress on women’s reservation.
Officials emphasized that delimitation is a constitutional obligation, carried out after each census to ensure fair representation based on population data. They highlighted provisions under Articles 81 and 82, explaining that seat allocation and readjustment follow the latest published census figures and are executed through due legislative processes.
The press conference also detailed several government initiatives aimed at empowering women across sectors. These include financial inclusion schemes, livelihood missions, and welfare programmes benefiting millions of women nationwide. Notable among them are the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which has benefited around 6 million mothers, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign promoting education and gender equality.
In Uttar Pradesh, officials highlighted that over 10 million women have been connected through self-help groups under the State Rural Livelihood Mission. Additionally, schemes like the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana and PM SVANidhi have extended financial assistance to lakhs of beneficiaries.
The government also cited progress in women’s workforce participation, noting a rise from around 13 percent in 2017 to nearly 36 percent currently, aided by policy measures such as permitting women to work night shifts in industrial sectors.
On the safety front, initiatives like Mission Shakti and Anti-Romeo Squads were highlighted, with officials claiming significant action against offenders and improved security for women across the state.
The speakers concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve to fight what they described as “anti-women forces” and ensure that women receive their rightful share in political representation and development.
