CM interacts with students, faculty members at DU’s North Campus

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday interacted with students and women faculty members at the University of Delhi’s North Campus, listening to their views, experiences and suggestions. Sitting at a tea stall on campus, the chief minister recalled her connection with the university as an alumnus and said the same paths now carried new faces and even bigger dreams.

She said the conversations over tea brought back old memories while also familiarising her with the aspirations for a new India. She described DU as more than just a university, saying it always evokes a deep sense of belonging.

This was preceded by a signature campaign at DU’s Faculty of Arts in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Act), where the chief minister highlighted the need to enhance women’s participation in governance and policymaking.

Interacting with the students and women faculty, the chief minister said meaningful change can be achieved only when women occupy decision-making positions, enabling them to address issues that directly affect society, families and their own lives.

Speaking on the act, she said, “I often wonder why we all need this reservation. Every person, every woman, every daughter may not be able to reach this far on their own through normal courses. But today, women should play a much bigger role in running this country, in administration, in policy-making.”

The chief minister said meaningful change can be achieved only when women occupy decision-making positions, enabling them to address issues that directly affect society, families and their lives.

She highlighted the Delhi government initiatives such as the Lakhpati Bitiya and Anmol schemes, describing them as outcomes of sensitive and inclusive policy-making aimed at women’s empowerment and strengthening social security.

The event showcased women’s leadership and equal representation, with messages like “It’s time for women to lead” and “Empowered women, prosperous nation”.  “I believe that when women come forward, become MLAs, ministers, and chief ministers, only then will it be possible to bring about change in the system,” she asserted.

Calling the legislation a historic step, the chief minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its passage, saying the law furthers the cause from “Beti Bachao” (protect women) to “Beti Badhao” (empower women).

“Through this platform, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the prime minister for the monumental effort he undertook to introduce this legislation. He strove to bring every political party onto a single platform, recognising the magnitude of the revolution this would spark in our nation,” she asserted.

She noted that the demand for greater political representation for women dates back decades. Tracing its roots to 1931, she said the law enacted in 2023 reflects a long and persistent struggle, adding that ensuring its effective implementation is now a collective responsibility.

She urged the youth to actively support the initiative and help turn it into a mass movement, saying true democratic strength lies in equal participation in decision-making.

Expressing confidence in the law’s impact, the chief minister said it would redefine political representation in the country and help build a stronger, more balanced and progressive democracy.

“The enthusiasm of female students and women on campus for this signature campaign and women’s reservation is a message in itself... The steps moving forward in this direction in Parliament on April 16 will give new direction and new confidence to the dreams, struggles, and aspirations of crores of mothers, sisters, and daughters of the country,” the chief minister wrote on X.

She asserted that this step toward one-third representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will give new strength to the daughters of the country.