Farooq Abdullah bats for women's quota

Batting for women's reservation in legislatures, NC veteran and Union minister Farooq Abdullah today said he was confident Parliament would give its nod to a bill in this regard despite opposition from some quarters.

"It is high time women, who are being neglected, get their due share. The country stands to benefit if women get 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies," the new and renewable energy minister told reporters here.

Asked about opposition to the women's quota bill in its present form by RJD head Lalu Prasad, he said "Parliament will pass the bill and women will get 33% reservation."

Abdullah said it would be in the fitness of things if the legislation is passed in the Rajya Sabha on the Women's International Day which falls on Monday.

On the recent blast in Afghanistan targeting Indian interests, the Union minister said New Delhi would continue to work for progress of that nation.

"Nothing can stop us. India has done that for centuries and we will cement the friendship further with that country. We will continue to do good work there," he said.

On the Tibetan issue, Abdullah claimed despite China investing billions of rupees in the Himalayan region, still the people "are not with it".

He said Tibetan spiritual guru Dalai Lama "is trying to get autonomy for Tibet through International help."

"Let us hope, he succeeds," the minister said after releasing two books on 'Tibet: 50 Years After' and 'Turtuk Unveiled' at a function here.

On the greater autonomy for Nagaland, he said it was the prerogative of the Union government and he had nothing to say on this.  Lamenting that people living in 40% areas of the country are yet to see an electric lamp, Abdullah said proper attention is needed to ensure progress of far-flung and backward areas like Ladakh.

He said his ministry has earmarked Rs526 crore for developing wind, solar and micro hydel projects in Ladakh region.

"Unless villages improve, there cannot be overall progress," he said, exhorting young entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and undertake such projects.

"India has the potential to become a world leader if available energy in the country is properly exploited. Now 80% of our energy needs like petrol, gas and coal are being imported," he said.

Stressing on the use of solar energy in houses, guest houses and hotels, the minister said there was a proposal with his ministry to supply electricity generated from solar and wind energy to Mata Vaishno Devi temple, Raj Bhawans and assembly secretariats in Jammu and Kashmir.