Raipur, April 13: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said that women’s reservation would grant full rights to half of the country’s population and significantly enhance their participation in decision-making, thereby strengthening the democratic framework.

The Chief Minister was listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan,’ broadcast live from Vigyan Bhawan, at his official residence in Raipur. He described the occasion as a historic moment for the nation’s women, stating it would play a decisive role in making India’s democracy more inclusive and empowered.

Vishnu Deo Sai said that ensuring women’s participation from grassroots institutions like Panchayats to the Parliament reflects the vision of a “New India.” He noted that the Prime Minister has consistently highlighted the importance of women’s direct involvement in governance as a foundation for a developed nation.

Referring to the proposed discussion in Parliament on 16 April regarding the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ the Chief Minister termed it a significant step toward translating the vision of women’s reservation into reality.

He further said that Indian traditions have always accorded women a position of respect. Government initiatives are now reinforcing this legacy in a modern context, enabling women to move forward with dignity and self-reliance, he added.

Highlighting efforts in Chhattisgarh, he pointed out that 50 per cent reservation in local self-government bodies has opened leadership opportunities for women, with visible positive outcomes at the grassroots level. He also mentioned schemes such as the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana,’ which aim to strengthen women socially and economically across the state.

The Chief Minister stated that it is a significant moment that discussions on women’s reservation are taking place nationally while the state is observing ‘Mahtari Gaurav Varsh.’ He said that respect for ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari’ and the active participation of women are becoming defining features of the state’s development journey.

He called upon women and organisations to actively participate in this transformative phase. Increased participation of women, he said, would further strengthen democratic values and bring positive changes to society.