Pranab Mukherjee, Narendra Modi address Conference of Women Legislators

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first Conference of Women Legislators on the theme 'The Role of Women Legislators in Nation Building' on the 5th of March. President Mukherjee on the occasion said that the Constitution of India provides for equal rights for men and women.

He further added that it is enshrined in the Constitution that there shall be no discrimination, between men and women, in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State.

He further added that underlining the need for upliftment and empowerment of women the Constitution was amended in 1993. The Seventy Third Amendment to the Constitution inserted new Articles from 243A to 243O.

President on reservation of seats for women:

The amendments provided that not less than one third of total number of seats in a panchayat or municipalities shall be reserved for women. The amendment also provided at least one-third Chairpersons of the panchayats or municipalities shall be reserved for women.

With the implementation of affirmative action through the reservation of 33% of the Panchayati Raj Institutions seats for women, there is a sharp rise in women's representation. In fact, today women constitute more than 40% of the elected representatives in Panchayats.

In some States, the representation of women in Panchayats is more than 50%. The consistent increase in representation of women in the local bodies bodes well for further empowerment of women in Indian society. Mr. Mukherjee questioned as to how women can be empowered without representation.

President compliments PM on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:

President Mukherjee complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and his firm commitment towards the true empowerment of women.
He said that the United Nations has declared the theme of International Women's Day of 2016 as - "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality". The observance of International Women's Day on 8th March will reflect the collective will of the nations to accelerate 2030 agenda.

The global community has to rededicate themselves to gender equality and women empowerment. The organisation of the 'National Conference of Women Legislators' is a step in the right direction to carry forward the agenda of United Nations of sustainable development through gender equality. He wished the Conference all success.

PM's valedictory session address at the National Conference of Women Legislators:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the importance of women led development in his valedictory address at the National Conference of Women in the central Hall of Parliament on the 6th of March. The Prime Minister said we must think beyond "women development," and move towards "women-led development."

Congratulating the Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, for her leadership and vision in the organisation of this Conference, the Prime Minister said that in addition to the structured component of such events, experiences shared informally among delegates are also extremely enriching.

The Prime Minister said multi-tasking, which is considered to be a very important element of modern-day management, comes naturally to women.

PM to women legislators:

He urged the women legislators to engage with their constituents using technology. He described his own experience in this regard, and spoke of the enriching thoughts and views he has been receiving through the MyGov platform and Narendra Modi App.