Jaipur, April 16 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday hailed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as a historic step on Wednesday, saying it will ensure 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies to boost their role in education, security and policymaking. Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Conference, Sharma said, "The legislation, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will strengthen democratic inclusivity and empower women to contribute more actively to nation-building. The Act will ensure women have a stronger voice in governance and play a decisive role in shaping policies that impact society." The chief minister added that the Act aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India, where women are central to progress. He urged women to support the legislation by giving a missed call on 9667173333. Sharma said true progress of society and the nation is possible only when women participate equally across sectors. Referring to India's cultural ethos, he noted that women have always held a place of importance and continue to contribute significantly not only in managing households but also in driving economic and social growth. He said women today are excelling in startups, education, sports, policing and science. The chief minister said initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana have improved financial inclusion, education, dignity and living standards for women. He added that schemes like Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi have further strengthened women's economic independence. Detailing Rajasthan's efforts, Sharma said over 20 lakh women have been trained, with more than 16 lakh becoming Lakhpati Didis. He added that over 6.5 lakh girls have benefited under the Lado Protsahan Yojana. The state has enhanced maternity benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana from Rs.5,000 to Rs.6,500, while the Ma Voucher Scheme provides free sonography services to pregnant women, benefiting over 4 lakh so far. On women's safety, he said 600 Kalika patrol units and 65 Anti-Romeo squads have been deployed, leading to a notable decline in crimes against women. He highlighted initiatives to improve education and mobility for girls, including free travel on Women's Day and Raksha Bandhan, along with Gargi Awards and distribution of bicycles and scooters. Focusing on youth, the chief minister said the state's youth policy promotes entrepreneurship through interest-free loans under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana. He said the government aims to create 4 lakh government jobs and 6 lakh private sector jobs, with over 1.25 lakh appointments already made and recruitment under way for an equal number. Deputy chief minister Diya Kumari said the Nari Shakti Vandan Act will bring about a major social transformation by ensuring women's representation in legislative bodies for the first time since Independence. She said the move will ensure women's perspectives are prioritised in policymaking and that they become integral to every decision shaping the country's future. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot questioned the Centre's reported move to use the 2011 Census as the basis for implementing women's reservation, calling it inconsistent with earlier assurances. Responding to a query, Gehlot said that when the law was passed in Parliament three years ago, Mallikarjun Kharge had urged immediate implementation from 2024. At the time, the government had argued that the 2021 Census was pending and that the reservation would be implemented only after its completion. "Now suddenly bringing in the 2011 Census as the basis for delimitation is not appropriate," he said, adding that such a shift in stance raises questions over the government's intent and delays in rolling out the women reservation policy....