Patna: The mayor of Patna has voiced strong support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, describing it as a landmark move to transform women from voters into policy makers and deepen their role in governance.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Patna Municipal Corporation headquarters on Monday, Mayor Sita Sahu said the legislation marked a significant step towards women’s empowerment and more inclusive decision-making. She also expressed gratitude to prime minister Narendra Modi, stating that the initiative was driven by national interest rather than political considerations.
Sahu argued that greater participation of women in governance would make public institutions more responsive and accountable. “When women lead, issues such as education, healthcare, sanitation, nutrition and safety receive greater priority,” she said, pointing to the role of women representatives in local bodies and panchayats in improving access to basic services.
Highlighting India’s growing female electorate — estimated at around 470 million voters — Sahu noted that women’s turnout has in some regions surpassed that of men in recent elections. Despite this, she said, their representation in parliament and state assemblies remains limited. The new law, which provides for one-third reservation for women in legislatures, seeks to address this gap and elevate women’s role in policymaking.
She also cited several central government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, as having improved women’s living standards. However, she added that women must now move beyond being beneficiaries to active participants in shaping policy.
Deputy mayor Reshmi Kumari echoed the sentiment, calling the Act “a historic step” that ensures adequate representation for women in democratic institutions. She said the constitutional amendment signalled the beginning of a new phase of empowerment for women across the country.
Several women councillors from across wards in the city were present at the event, expressing their support for the legislation.
