Stepping boldly towards enhancing women’s presence in Arunachal Pradesh’s legislative arena, Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled plans to introduce a groundbreaking 33 percent reservation for women MLAs in the state Assembly by 2029. Speaking to the press following his oath-taking ceremony, Khandu underscored the BJP’s unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment, citing the successful passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill during PM Modi’s previous term. He pledged to replicate this achievement at the state level, ensuring heightened female participation in governance.
This momentous announcement follows the historic appointment of Dasanglu Pul to Arunachal Pradesh’s cabinet, marking the first instance in two decades of a woman assuming a ministerial role in the state. Pul, hailing from the Hayuliang constituency, took the oath amidst a distinguished audience including Union Ministers Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and chief ministers from neighboring states.
Dasanglu Pul’s ascent to the cabinet traces back to her victory in a 2016 by-election, succeeding her late husband, former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. Her subsequent re-elections in 2019 and 2024 underscore her burgeoning influence as one of Arunachal Pradesh’s foremost women leaders. Prior to assuming ministerial responsibilities, Pul served as an advisor to the Women and Child Development department, championing policies pivotal to women’s welfare.
With Arunachal Pradesh currently hosting four women MLAs, including Tsering Lhamu, Chakat Aboh, and Nyabi Jini Dirchi, Khandu’s visionary proposal for legislative reservation aims to further empower women in decision-making bodies across the state.