33% reservation: NPMC launch postcard campaign

Kohima, May 29 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress (NPMC) on Friday demanded the immediate implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, accusing the BJP-led central government of indefinitely delaying its enforcement.

The demand was made at a ‘Nationwide Postcard Campaign for Immediate Implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023’ programme organised at Congress Bhavan, Kohima attended by Mahila Congress leaders, district representatives, party workers and supporters from across the state, stated a press release received here. 

Addressing the gathering, speakers criticised the ruling BJP for passing the legislation without providing for its immediate implementation and for linking it to the census and delimitation processes.

“Women across India are no longer asking for symbolic promises, but demanding equal participation, dignity and representation in democracy,” speakers said.

The programme passed a set of demands including immediate implementation of 33% reservation for women, transparent roadmap for implementation, protection of federal balance, representation for OBC women, genuine political empowerment instead of symbolic politics.

Speakers also raised concerns that delimitation based on future population figures could disturb the federal balance and reduce representation for states and regions that had responsibly controlled population growth.

The leaders recalled the Congress party’s record on women’s empowerment, citing the strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the party’s sustained advocacy for women’s legislative representation. Special mention was made of the contribution of women from Northeast India, recognising their leadership and role in democratic participation.
The event concluded with a postcard campaign, signature drive and a press conference.