The Campaign for Electoral Reforms in India (CERI) on Friday organised a State-level meeting here demanding introduction of Proportional Representation system and ensuring proportional seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.The meeting held under chairmanship of noted columnist and CERI national coordinator Manas Jena discussed pros and cons of the prevailing Fast Past the Post (FPTP) election system with special focus on cost effectiveness, violence and corruption.It was lamented that Odisha has so far sent 19 women representatives to the Parliament and 66 women have been elected to the Oidsha legislative Assembly in this FPTP system.
Pointing out that proportional representation system is already in vogue in 89 countries, and other 85 counties have already reserved seats for women in their Parliaments, the speakers viewed that this is the right time to for India to introduce the proportional representation system.SERI founder member MC Raj discussed in detail the need of women representations in Parliament and State Assemblies.Among others, CERI women group national coordinator Durga Jha, AIDWO national coordinator Tapasi Praharaj, State Congress spokesperson Sulochana Das, Odisha Mahila Adhikar Manch coordinator Smitarani Patnaik, CERI Tamil Nadu coordinator Sinthin Silva, Maharashtra coordinator Dr Yugal Railu, Bihar’s Ashok Priyadarhi, and UP’s Sanjay Kumar spoke.