Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Stresses Women-Led Development for Viksit Bharat Vision
In Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla kicked off the first-ever National Conference of Committees on Empowerment of Women on Sunday. He made a strong point: women-led development, focused on empowering women and supporting children, is the key to India’s dream of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Birla shared his thoughts during the inauguration. "India will only grow into an inclusive and developed nation when our daughters get education and become self-reliant," he said. The two-day event draws representatives from over 20 states and centers on the theme "Women-led Development for Viksit Bharat." It dives deep into topics like gender-responsive budgeting and helping women tackle challenges from new technologies.
The conference aims to boost women’s leadership, increase their role in governance, create inclusive policies, and turn women into key builders of India’s progress—not just beneficiaries. Birla called this gathering a big milestone in India’s democratic story. These forums let lawmakers, policymakers, and women leaders swap ideas and experiences, leading to better policies for everyone.
"Women empowerment and child welfare aren’t side issues—they’re the base of our national growth," Birla added. The event unites people from across the country to plan for women’s leadership, equality, and inclusion in all areas of life. He emphasized that empowerment is an ongoing effort, addressing women’s needs at every life stage. From local panchayats to Parliament, the focus is on strong laws, policies, and economic freedom for women. This pushes India closer to its Viksit Bharat goal by 2047.
As India steps into the Amrit Kaal era, Birla highlighted how Nari Shakti—women’s power—is driving the country toward inclusivity and strength. Women’s participation in every field isn’t just about fairness; it’s essential for lasting growth.
Birla remembered India’s women freedom fighters, whose sacrifices built a more equal society. These brave women shattered barriers, fought stereotypes, and led as strategists and change-makers. Their efforts in education, health, community work, and women’s rights kept equality alive in independent India. He also noted that 15 women served in the Constituent Assembly, shaping a gender-neutral Constitution that guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all.
From ancient figures like scholars Gargi and Anusuya to warriors like Rani Rudrama Devi and Rani Lakshmibai, women have shaped India’s history with courage and wisdom. Today, Indian women shine in space, science, sports, literature, and leadership—from Presidents and Prime Ministers to local governors. Birla praised this as a proud sign of India’s commitment to women leadership.
He spotlighted the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, a game-changing law passed in the new Parliament building. It reserves seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, giving them a real stake in governance and grooming future women leaders.
Birla pointed out that Committees on Empowerment of Women work without party lines. They scrutinize laws, policies, and schemes to make sure they’re inclusive and effective. Their suggestions should reach even the last woman and child in remote areas, providing access to health, education, technology, and growth opportunities.
Tying into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Birla said economic independence for every woman is vital for Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. Women now lead as innovators, guardians, and entrepreneurs in every sector—from village panchayats to top science and governance roles. They’re truly nation-builders.
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh echoed these sentiments. He noted the rise in women at the grassroots level. Bihar led the way in 2006 with 50% reservation for women in local governance, and now 21 states follow suit. India boasts about 14.5 lakh Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions. With the 2023 women reservation bill, more women will soon lead at the national level.
Harivansh recalled Ram Manohar Lohia’s push for gender parity, treating women’s discrimination like caste or class issues. Lohia fought for equal access to education, jobs, and basics, which fueled campaigns for women’s emancipation. He stressed that politics must break barriers for women and create equal opportunities. These committees play a key role in making that happen.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women, Dr. D. Purandeswari, addressed the gathering too. As the world’s largest democracy, she said, more women in politics and decision-making builds security for citizens, especially women and marginalized groups. Under PM Modi’s vision, India is shifting from women development to women-led development. The government uses a full-team approach, and the committee works hard on women’s education, social, economic, and political empowerment.
Dr. Purandeswari urged bridging the gender digital divide, especially in rural areas, through Digital India. She called for gender budgeting in all ministries, strong enforcement of laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, and quick fixes for gaps in reports. Better coordination and reviews of schemes under Mission Shakti are key for real results.
As chairperson, she’s proud of the committee’s work: 87 reports submitted to Parliament, including 45 original ones and 42 follow-ups. In the 17th Lok Sabha, they held 46 meetings, engaged 16 ministries, and delivered 8 key reports plus 5 action updates.
The session also saw Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker C. Ayyannapatrudu, Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju, state ministers, MLAs, and members of women empowerment committees from Parliament and states/UTs.
Before the event, Birla offered prayers at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala. He called Tirupati—a place of devotion and women’s contributions—the perfect spot to renew India’s focus on putting women and children at the center of national development.
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