Chennai: Apprehending that the women`s bill
could be put on the back-burner, AIADMK General Secretary
Jayalalithaa on Tuesday asked the central government to take all
steps for its passage in the Lok Sabha when the budget session
resumes on Thursday.
"Nearly a month after it was passed in the Rajya Sabha,
the Women`s Reservation Bill is yet to be tabled in the Lok
Sabha which is a matter of concern. This gives rise to
apprehensions among women that it could once again be put on
the back-burner," she said in a statement here.
To allay such fears, the union government should make all
efforts to pass the proposed legislation when Parliament
resumes its sitting on April 15.
Women comprise half of India`s population and they deserve
equal opportunities, which all parties must realise and enable
smooth passage of the Bill, she said.
The Bill, reserving 33 percent of seats in Lok Sabha and
and State Assemblies for women was passed in the Rajya Sabha
last month but is yet to be tabled in the Lok Sabha. The
measure is being opposed by SP and RJD and some other parties
who are insisting on sub-quota for OBCs and minorities.
PTI
