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| Parliament's 'gift' on International Women's Day | | | BL KAK
NEW DELHI, MARCH 8
Literally, softer sex in two Houses of Parliament were on Thursday allowed by the sterner sex to feel fresh and excited. In fact, Parliament on International Women's Day got united across party lines with women and women's issues dominating the proceedings. Understandably, the focus was 33 per cent reservation for women.
In Rajya Sabha, Bhairon Singh Shekhewat, Chairman, suspended the Question Hour and allowed women members to speak their minds. Sushma Swaraj from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) said: "I would like to request the PM (Prime Minister) to pass the women's reservation bill giving true expression to the views of women". Film star-turned parliamentarian, Jaya Bachhan from the Samajwadi Party said: "I would like to make it clear that our party is not against the women's reservation bill but it should benefit women of all classes".
It was not just the Rajya Sabha that went by the women's agenda. Lok Sabha followed suit. Suggestions for gender parity came from a number of women MPs. Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, suspended the Question Hour for some time to make a statement on the issue and allowed women members to share their views.
"Every year we celebrate women's day by organising functions and greeting women. But that is the end of it", said Sumitra Mahajan from the BJP. The opinion was reflected across party lines. "Women are moving ahead in all spheres", said Congress MP, Krishna Teertha.
The Speaker also reflected on the condition of women in the country and noted that country's women, in spite of several disadvantages, domestic and in the workplace, have achieved milestones in terms of education, health, freedom of choice, liberty and equality in law. Somnath Chatterjee said: "On this solemn day, we should reaffirm our commitment to improve the condition of women, specially those who are in vulnerable position and empower them to take their rightful place in society".
Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, said that the UPA government was committed to do it before the end of its tenure. Noting that passing of the bill would require two-third support in Parliament, he said discussions had been held and were being held with various political parties on the issue. |
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