Reiterating its firm commitment to women’s empowerment as the foundation of inclusive and equitable development, the Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, on Monday, underlined that no society can be truly progressive unless women are guaranteed dignity, equal opportunities, and a decisive role in governance and nation-building.
Reflecting this commitment, the Chief Minister moved a significant resolution in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha advocating 33 percent reservation for women in State Assemblies, in line with similar provisions in the Lok Sabha. The resolution was passed by voice vote in the House.
The Chief Minister also referred to the broader national vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, underlining that women constitute one of the four key pillars of this resolve. He further stated that women are one of the four key pillars of this vision, alongside the poor, youth, and farmers, and their participation is essential to achieving the goal of a developed India.
He highlighted that under the leadership at the national level, concrete steps have been taken to ensure women’s participation in governance. He mentioned the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023, aimed at ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
The Chief Minister said that while the law was initially expected to be implemented by 2034, efforts are being made to advance its implementation to 2029. He also referred to the special session of Parliament held in April to advance this historic legislation and strengthen women’s representation in legislative bodies.
Emphasizing India’s rich cultural ethos, the Chief Minister reiterated the timeless principle, “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devataah,” stating that where women are respected, prosperity and divinity reside. He said that this principle has guided India’s social and cultural framework for centuries.
The Chief Minister reflected on the contributions of ancient scholars such as Gargi, Maitreyi, and Lopamudra, and historical figures like Mata Jijabai and Rani Lakshmibai, who exemplified courage, wisdom, and leadership. He further acknowledged the achievements of women from Haryana, including Maharani Kishori, noted educationist Subhashini, astronaut Kalpana Chawla, and numerous sportspersons who have elevated the nation’s pride on global platforms.
Highlighting measurable progress, the Chief Minister said that sustained efforts toward women’s empowerment have led to significant improvements in key social indicators. Citing Haryana as an example, he said that the sex ratio has improved from 871 to 923, reflecting the impact of continuous awareness and policy interventions.
He further outlined a wide range of initiatives aimed at strengthening women socially, economically, and politically. These include financial inclusion and entrepreneurship promotion through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and the Lakhpati Didi initiative.
He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which has helped reduce the burden on women by providing clean cooking fuel. The Chief Minister said that progressive steps have also been taken to expand women’s participation in non-traditional sectors, including granting permanent commission to women in the armed forces, opening Sainik Schools for girls, and allowing their entry into the National Defence Academy.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in Haryana, the proposal emphasizes initiatives such as 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, schemes focused on economic empowerment and financial security, and efforts to ease household burdens through subsidized essential services. It also highlights initiatives promoting self-reliance and skill development among women.
On the issue of safety, the Chief Minister said that 33 women police stations have been established across the state, along with dedicated safety mechanisms such as helplines and digital applications to ensure timely support and assistance. He reiterated that enhancing women’s participation in legislative decision-making is essential for inclusive governance and that ensuring 33 percent reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies is a historic step in that direction.
Resolution Meant for Course Correction, says CM
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, stating that its conduct has once again exposed its approach towards women’s rights. Congress has once again exposed its real face.
When it comes to women’s rights, they step back at the crucial moment, he said, adding that the same attitude seen in the Lok Sabha was repeated in the State Assembly. He clarified that the resolution was brought to provide an opportunity for course correction.
Talk Outside, Walk Out Inside – CM Targets Congress
Expressing deep disappointment, the Chief Minister said that when the House convened specifically to deliberate on women’s empowerment, the opposition chose to remain absent and walked out. They speak about women’s empowerment outside the House, but avoid even participating in discussion when it matters inside, he remarked.
He said that this resolution was an opportunity for course correction, but instead of supporting women, the opposition chose to walk out. The Chief Minister added that the opposition should have remained present in the House and participated in the discussion rather than resorting to a walkout.
Congress and INDI Alliance Not Serious About Women’s Rights
The Chief Minister said the conduct of Congress and its INDI alliance clearly shows a lack of seriousness towards women’s rights. He said that their absence is not just political, it reflects indifference towards the rights of women. He added that due to flawed policies in the past, women have not received their full rights, and this was an opportunity to correct that.
Missed Opportunity to Send a Strong Message
The Chief Minister said this was a crucial opportunity for the opposition to support the resolution and send a positive message to its top leadership. If there was any mistake at the top level, this House could have corrected it. But they chose to follow the same approach here as well, he said.
Double Standards Exposed
Criticizing the opposition further, the Chief Minister said their conduct reflects clear double standards. Those who claim to stand for women’s rights must show it in action, not just in statements. They speak one way outside the House but avoid discussion inside. This exposes their double character, he said.
Call for Condemnation of Opposition’s Conduct
The Chief Minister emphasized that such behaviour should be condemned. He said the opposition should have stayed in the House, participated in the discussion, and if they wished to protest, they should have done so after placing their views or recording their dissent.
He further stated that their absence is extremely unfortunate and indicated that a formal condemnation resolution against their conduct should be brought in the House.
Congress Betrayed Women Despite Decades of Support
In a strong remark, the Chief Minister said that for nearly 55 years, women supported Congress and kept it in power. Today, when the time has come to ensure women’s rights, Congress and its alliance are opposing such efforts. This is a betrayal of the trust women placed in them, he said.
Resolution Must Be Passed in Women’s Interest
Reiterating the importance of the proposal, the Chief Minister said it must be passed in the larger interest of women. If the opposition had objections, they could have expressed dissent inside the House. Leaving without participating is extremely unfortunate, he said.
The Chief Minister urged all members to support the resolution unanimously, emphasizing that this issue goes beyond politics and concerns the future, dignity, and rights of women across the country. He emphasized that this issue is not limited to any one state but is linked to the future of women across all states.
He said that the resolution is not merely a political move but a reflection of collective commitment towards ensuring dignity, equal opportunities, and meaningful participation of women in governance, and a crucial step toward building a developed and inclusive India.