Tabling of the women’s reservation bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday is unlikely to be a smooth affair for the Congress-led coalition.
Stiff opposition expected as parties seek ‘reservation within reservation’
NEW DELHI: Tabling of the women’s reservation bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday is unlikely to be a smooth affair for the Congress-led coalition. This is clear from the divergent views of allies like RJD and LJP, and stiff opposition from the JD(U). The bill provides 33% quota for women in parliament and assemblies.
Railway minister Lalu Prasad said his party was “never against” introduction of the measure but favoured quotas for women from deprived sections of the society and those belonging to religious minorities in the 12-year-old draft legislation.
Prasad said his party would also back the measure if there is an agreement over leaving the implementation of the women’s reservation to political parties or a consensus is reached. “We will put forth our views at all forums be it Cabinet, Parliament or parliamentary committees,” he said.
The proposed legislation has been stuck for long due to differences between political parties over the percentage of reservation, with some parties insisting on providing for quota for women from backward classes.
The Congress on Monday said the decision to make another attempt to evolve consensus over the issue underscored its commitment to empowering women. “We are endeavouring to create a consensus. If it cannot be created, there is always a room for a second call,” AICC spokesman Manish Tewari said.
But Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav declared his party would support the bill only if sub-quotas for SC/ST or OBC women are introduced or reservation is reduced.
“A large number of MPs are opposed to the bill in its present form. The government is bringing this bill to divert the attention from rising prices,” he said.
The CPI(M) however urged all parties not to prevent introduction of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha and to debate amendments, if any, on the floor of the House.
p_vineeta@dnaindia.net
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}