Mysuru, April 15 (IANS) BJP State Vice-President and actress Malavika Avinash said on Wednesday that women’s reservation is a moment of celebration not only for Karnataka and India, but for women across the world. She described it as a significant decision taken by the Prime Minister.​

Addressing the media at the BJP district office in Mysuru, she said that the concept of women-led development is central to PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. ​

She termed it a step towards strengthening women’s leadership and expressed hope that political parties would not politicise the issue.​

She stated that a special session of Parliament has been convened by PM Modi from April 16 to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in politics. Discussions on the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill will be held for three days during the session, and it is expected to be enacted into law. ​

She noted that the current strength of the Lok Sabha is 543 seats, which is proposed to be increased to 816. This, she said, would help address concerns and is also necessary due to population growth.​

Highlighting initiatives related to women’s dignity, she said the Swachh Bharat mission ensured construction of toilets, while schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao promoted education and helped curb female foeticide. ​

She added that steps have been taken to strengthen self-help groups, enabling women to take leadership roles not only at home but also in workplaces.​

She also pointed out that the Bhagyalakshmi scheme was implemented during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa to prevent female foeticide. ​

Reservation has also been provided in local bodies in Karnataka, along with initiatives such as bicycle distribution, which she described as strong steps towards women’s empowerment.​

She said PM Modi has introduced several schemes to empower women economically, including Jan Dhan and Mudra Yojana. ​

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, houses are being provided in rural areas, and, thanks to the Prime Minister’s vision, these houses are often registered in women’s names.​

State BJP Secretary Lakshmi Ashwin Gowda, former district president Mangala Somashekar, former state vice-president Reena Prakash, Mahila Morcha district president Renuka Raju, and Mysuru Rural Mahila Morcha district president Nalina were present.​

–IANS

mka/dan