After a wait of 14 years and many uncommitted efforts, the government has accomplished in forcing through the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Council of States. History was certainly made in the house when 186 votes were cast in favour of the bill. Women activists have scored a small victory while thereis still a long way for the bill to become a law.
The opposition to the bill predictably came from male parliamentarians who have spent years cultivating their constituencies. They felt that a particular constituency that they have nursed will suddenly be reserved for women. They promptly raised the spectre of dozens of Rabri Devis springing up all of a sudden.
MPs from the Yadav brigade managed to prevent the bill’s introduction in the upper house at the start of the week. It is the same combine which was vociferous about reservation for their compatriots in educational institutions and government jobs. The wheel has certainly turned for this duo who feel that the move will hamper good governance.
Ashalata Kamdar
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