Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 16: MLA Bhagirathi Murulya described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a historic milestone in India’s democratic journey, stating that it will enable women to play a significant role in policy-making and decision processes.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Dakshina Kannada BJP office on Wednesday, she said that amendments to the Act, expected during the special session of Parliament beginning April 16, would strengthen women’s active participation in democracy. The provision to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies is not just about increasing representation, but also about empowering women in governance, she added.

Murulya highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that women-led development is key to taking India to greater heights, noting that the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would play a crucial role in realizing this goal.

She also pointed to several initiatives under the Prime Minister’s leadership, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and Poshan 2.0, as successful efforts towards women’s empowerment. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, 322.9 million women have been brought into the banking system, while women account for 68% of beneficiaries under Mudra loans.

Murulya further stated that initiatives such as Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi have empowered women to move beyond traditional roles into technology and entrepreneurship. Schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission have also helped reduce everyday hardships for women.

BJP state executive member Sulochana G K Bhat, Mahila Morcha state general secretary Shilpa Suvarna, state secretary Shwetha Poojari, district president Manjula Rao, and district general secretaries Sandhya Venkatesh and Lakhita Shetty were present.