Smriti Irani, BJP leader and former Union minister, strongly defended her party’s record on women’s empowerment while addressing the Times Now Conclave ‘Unlocking Nari Shakti’ on Friday, stating that real change must go beyond symbolism and translate into structural reform. Responding to questions on whether political parties in India have merely paid lip service to Nari Shakti, Irani said that the BJP has already institutionalised 33% reservation for women within its organisational framework, across the Centre, states and even district-level positions, arguing that intent must be backed by execution.
The BJP leader questioned why women are often expected to "leave politics aside" while discussing empowerment, stressing that representation itself is inherently political. She contrasted BJP’s internal quota system with other parties, suggesting that decades in power did not result in similar structural measures for women’s participation.
Expanding the scope of Nari Shakti, Irani linked empowerment to access, banking, healthcare, sanitation and education, rather than just political representation. She cited flagship initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, noting that a majority of beneficiaries are women, as well as reforms like permanent commission for women in the armed forces and gender-focused provisions in education policy.
She also pointed to improvements in sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Mission and expanded healthcare access through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, arguing these measures have tangibly improved women’s lives. Irani further questioned whether any leadership other than PM Modi’s could have delivered such large-scale legislative and policy-driven backing to women’s empowerment, positioning the BJP’s approach as one rooted in delivery rather than rhetoric.
At a defining moment in India’s democratic journey, the Nari Shakti Vandan Act stands as a powerful commitment to advancing women’s representation and leadership across the nation. It signals not just policy intent, but a structural shift in how India envisions its future with women at the forefront of decision-making.
Times Network presents Unlocking Nari Shakti - a special conclave that brings together some of India’s most accomplished women leaders across sectors - policy, business, entrepreneurship, media, and social impact - to decode the significance, opportunities, and the road ahead post this landmark reform. A forward-looking dialogue, with leaders who have consistently shaped impact, with their voice carrying both credibility and influence.
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Megha Rawat is an Assistant News Editor at Times Now, where she drives the national news narrative with sharp political reporting, election coverage a...View More
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