The YSR Congress Party, under the leadership of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, reiterates its unwavering and wholehearted support for the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, and the proposed amendments enabling its implementation from 2029. This is not a symbolic endorsement but a continuation of a governance philosophy that has already translated women’s empowerment into measurable outcomes. At a time when India is taking a historic step toward ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies under the leadership of Narendra Modi, YSRCP stands as a model of how such empowerment can be effectively implemented on the ground.
Proven model of Women’s Empowerment
Even before the national framework for 33% reservation, YSRCP institutionalised empowerment by ensuring 50% reservation for women in local bodies, nominated posts, and nomination-based works and contracts, a pioneering reform in India. Governance under YS Jagan ensured that women were not merely beneficiaries but active participants in decision-making across political, economic, and administrative spheres.
Through flagship interventions such as Asara, Cheyutha, Amma Vodi, and distribution of house site pattas, women were provided financial stability, dignity, and independence. These measures were complemented by structural reforms that enabled women to emerge as leaders across sectors, making empowerment both holistic and sustainable.
Political representation with real authority
YSRCP went beyond token representation by integrating women into the core of governance. Women were appointed to key Cabinet positions, including critical portfolios like Home, Health, and Women & Child Welfare. The government ensured representation at the highest levels, including a woman Deputy Chief Minister and multiple women ministers, while also appointing a Muslim woman as Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council for the first time.
This approach reflected a deeper commitment—not just to inclusion, but to power-sharing and leadership-building, ensuring women shaped governance rather than remaining peripheral to it.
Transformational impact at Grassroots
The scale of representation achieved under YSRCP is unprecedented. Women held more than half of leadership positions across local governance structures, Zilla Parishads, municipalities, ward committees, and panchayats. In several categories, representation crossed 54%–64%, demonstrating that empowerment was not limited to policy but fully realised in practice.
Additionally, women formed the backbone of governance delivery systems, accounting for over half of volunteers and secretariat staff. This ensured that governance became more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to grassroots realities.
Historic Legal Framework for Gender Equity
YSRCP enacted a landmark law mandating 50% reservation for women in nominated posts and nomination-based contracts, setting a national precedent. Not only was this implemented, but it was exceeded in practice, with over 51% of such positions allocated to women. This marked a structural shift, embedding gender equity into the administrative and political framework itself.
Alignment with National Vision
The Women’s Reservation Bill providing 33% reservation in legislatures is a significant and welcome reform. YSRCP’s full support stems from its consistent position that political empowerment is the foundation for broader social and economic transformation. Having already demonstrated this model successfully in Andhra Pradesh, the party views this legislation as a natural progression toward inclusive democracy.
Conclusion
YSRCP’s support for women’s reservation is backed by a proven track record of implementation, scale, and impact. By placing women at the center of governance—through representation, welfare, and institutional reforms, the party has demonstrated that empowerment is most effective when it is systemic, measurable, and inclusive. As India moves toward ensuring 33% representation for women in legislatures, YSRCP stands firm in its commitment to strengthening democracy by empowering women at every level.
