Speaking at the inaugural session of the first-ever National Conference of the Committees on Empowerment of Women from Parliament and State/UT Legislatures, Birla underlined that women-led development, with a strong focus on child welfare, forms the cornerstone of the vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The two-day conference, themed “Women-led Development for Viksit Bharat”, is being held in Tirupati with special attention to Gender Responsive Budgeting and Empowering Women in the Age of Emerging Technologies. The event has brought together representatives from over 20 states, including legislators, policymakers, and women leaders.

In his address, Birla said the conference marks a historic milestone in India’s democratic journey, as it facilitates dialogue and the sharing of ideas to shape inclusive and effective policies. He added that empowering women at all levels—from Panchayats to Parliament—is essential for building a progressive and equitable nation.

 “This conference sends a clear message that women’s empowerment and child welfare are not secondary issues but the very foundation of national progress,” Birla stated.

He stressed that empowerment must go beyond symbolic gestures and be rooted in comprehensive, long-term policies that support women through every stage of life. Increasing women’s representation in governance and lawmaking institutions, he said, will help break historical barriers and drive systemic change.

As India enters the Amrit Kaal, Birla noted, ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power) is becoming a transformative force in nation-building. Women’s participation across fields such as education, science, technology, entrepreneurship, governance, and innovation is not only a matter of justice but key to sustainable and inclusive development, he added.

Highlighting India’s progress, Birla pointed out that Indian women have made remarkable contributions in diverse areas from space science and sports to politics and literature. The country has witnessed women rise to the highest offices, including President, Prime Minister, Governor, and Speaker - an indication of India’s growing commitment to gender-inclusive leadership.

In this context, he hailed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a landmark constitutional reform that institutionalizes women's representation. Passed as the first Bill in the new Parliament building, the law reserves seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, creating a strong platform for the next generation of women leaders.

Birla also acknowledged the pivotal role of Committees on Empowerment of Women - both at the Centre and in states- which, despite being non-partisan, perform critical functions by scrutinizing laws, policies, and schemes for gender inclusivity. Their efforts, he said, must ensure that every woman and child, even in the most remote areas, gains access to education, healthcare, technology, and equal opportunities.

The conference’s inaugural session saw participation from several dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women D. Purandeswari, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker C. Ayyannapatrudu, Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju, as well as state ministers, legislators, and committee members from across the country.