Several Rajya Sabha members on International Women’s Day on Monday pushed for at least one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, saying this will ensure they get adequate representation. The demand comes in the backdrop of a Bill which sought to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies lapsing a few years ago.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on the occasion appreciated the services rendered by women members of the House for the country’s development and prosperity. “We need to ensure an environment that allows women to express themselves to their full potential in the form of both words and deeds,” Naidu said and wished them more strength and power. The chairman also acknowledged the contribution of women citizens to the development of the nation.
Congress member Chhaya Verma recalled that the Government of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had given reservation to women in local bodies. Similar provisions should be made for women in State Assemblies, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, she said. Nominated member Sonal Mansingh made a case of celebrating ‘international men’s day’ on the line of women’s day.
Shiv Sena member Priyanka Chaturvedi was of the opinion that as women form around 50 per cent of the country’s population, their representation in Parliament and state assemblies too should be in the same proportion, and not merely 33 per cent.
Naidu earlier appreciated that women across the world and in our country have been at the forefront of tackling the covid pandemic, be it as doctors, healthcare workers, bureaucrats, scientists, innovators, community organisers or caregivers at home.
Referring to the history of India freedom struggle and active participation of women in all walks of life, Naidu said that the women of our country have been active participants in shaping the history and contemporary times.