Itanagar, Apr 16: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a transformative reform that will redefine women’s role in governance and nation-building.
He made the remark on Wednesday while attending a special programme celebrating women empowerment and awareness on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, held under the theme “Celebrating Strength, Equality and Leadership.”
Addressing a gathering of women leaders, achievers, students, and dignitaries, Khandu termed the legislation as a historic reform that will transform India’s political and governance landscape. He said that the Act, passed in 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
Highlighting its long journey, the Chief Minister noted that the demand for women’s reservation dates back to 1996 and was realized only after broad political consensus in 2023. He informed that a special Parliament session from April 16 to 18 will focus on finalizing rules and implementation modalities, aiming for rollout by the 2029 elections.
Khandu emphasized that women’s participation in policymaking is a key indicator of development. While developed nations often record 40–50 percent representation of women in governance, India currently has around 13.6 percent representation in the Lok Sabha and about 9 percent in State Assemblies. Arunachal Pradesh presently has four women MLAs, underlining the need for greater inclusion.
Urging women to go beyond the 33 percent quota and take up leadership roles, he highlighted several government initiatives aimed at empowerment. These include the Dulari Kanya Scheme, HPV Vaccination Campaign, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and PM Poshan Scheme, benefiting thousands across the state.
He also underscored the success of the Self-Help Group (SHG) movement, noting that over 1.5 lakh women have been engaged since 2016. The government now plans to strengthen cooperative movements to expand women-led enterprises. Stressing entrepreneurship, Khandu encouraged women to leverage opportunities under MSME initiatives for financial support, loans, and skill development.
The Chief Minister lauded several women achievers from Arunachal Pradesh for their contributions across diverse fields. These included noted author Mamang Dai, Indian Army officer Ponung Doming, entrepreneur Tage Rita Takhe, IPS officer Tenzin Yanki, mountaineer and Padma Shri awardee Anshu Jamsenpa, traditional medicine practitioner Yanu Jamoh Lego, and academician Jamuna Bini.
He also praised women athletes for boosting the state’s performance in national competitions, noting Arunachal Pradesh’s growing presence among top-performing states.
Calling for electoral reforms, Khandu urged political parties to promote capable women candidates rather than proxy representation. He expressed hope that Arunachal Pradesh will one day have a woman Chief Minister and encouraged women to actively engage in public life.
Describing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a game-changer, the Chief Minister called on women to break barriers and take leadership roles in governance and development. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of Parliament, and all stakeholders for enabling the reform, stating it will accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and Viksit Arunachal 2047.
The programme was attended by several prominent personalities, including Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women Chairperson Yalem Taga Borang, Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson Ratan Anya, Miss Arunachal 2025 Taba Jumshi, social worker Jaya Tasung Moyong, along with women leaders, former legislators, councillors, and students.