Delhi CM advocates women’s reservation in legislature, joins signature campaign at DU | India News

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday attended a signature campaign in support of the Nari Shakti Bandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Protection Act) at Delhi University’s (DU) Faculty of Arts, where she highlighted the need to increase women’s participation in governance and policy-making.Speaking about the Act, Gupta said, “I often wonder why we all need this reservation. Every person, every woman, every girl may not be able to reach this far on their own through the normal course. But today women should play a bigger role in the governance, administration, policy-making of this country.” Gupta said that meaningful change can only be achieved when women are placed in decision-making positions, enabling them to address issues that directly affect society, family and their own lives.She highlighted Delhi government initiatives such as the Lakhpati Bitiya and Anmol projects, describing them as the result of sensitive and inclusive policy-making aimed at empowering women and strengthening social security.The event showcased women’s leadership and equal representation with messages such as “Time for Women to Lead”, and “Empowered Women, Prosperous Nations”.“I believe that when women come forward, become MLAs, ministers and chief ministers, only then will change in the system be possible,” asserted Gupta.Terming the Act as a historic step, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its passage, saying the Act furthered the cause of “Beti Bachao” (women’s protection) to “Beti Padhao” (women’s empowerment).“Through this platform, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for the monumental effort he took to introduce this law. He tried to bring every political party on a single platform, recognizing the revolution it would spark in our country,” he asserted.Gupta points out that the demand for greater political representation for women goes back decades. Tracing its roots to 1931, he said the Act enacted in 2023 reflected a long and continuous struggle, adding that it was now a collective responsibility to ensure its effective implementation.He urged the youth to actively support the initiative and help make it a mass movement, saying that real democratic strength lies in equal participation in decision-making.Expressing confidence in the impact of the law, Gupta said it will redefine political representation in the country and help build a stronger, more balanced and progressive democracy.After the campaign, Gupta interacted informally with students and women faculty members at a tea stall on campus, where he heard their views, experiences and suggestions. He said such open and direct communication between public representatives and citizens makes policy-making more effective and people-centric.“This signature campaign and the enthusiasm of women students and women on campus for women’s reservation is a message in itself… The steps taken in this direction in Parliament on April 16 will give new direction and new confidence to the dreams, struggles and aspirations of crores of mothers, sisters and daughters of the country,” Chief Minister XA wrote.He asserted that this move towards one-third representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies would give new strength to the country’s daughters.