New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) Union minister Annpurna Devi on Friday said the proposed amendment to the women’s reservation act reflects the aspirations of crores of women and will mark a historic step towards ensuring their greater participation in lawmaking.
Intervening in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments to the women’s quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, the minister for women and child development said the bills are strong proof of women’s rights and dignity in India.
“Crores of women across the country are watching the proceedings with great hope and expectation. After decades of struggle, they feel their aspirations are finally being fulfilled,” Devi said.
Claiming that such efforts faced repeated delays earlier, she said, “Whenever it comes to giving rights to women, the opposition creates hurdles to delay and derail the process.” She also questioned the Congress’ record on OBC issues, saying the party failed to act on key measures despite being in power for decades.
“You (Congress) ruled the country for 50 years. Why didn’t you act on the Mandal Commission report? Why was the OBC Commission not given constitutional status?” she asked.
“It was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the OBC Commission was granted constitutional status,” she said.
Backing the bill to amend the women’s quota law, Devi said it would ensure 33 per cent representation for women in Lok Sabha and state/UT Assemblies, setting a new benchmark.
“This is not just a law, it is a strong step towards ensuring women’s rightful place in decision-making,” she said.
Devi also alleged that attempts were being made to delay the legislation, warning that such moves would disappoint millions.
“If you fail to meet the expectations of crores of women, they will not forgive you,” she said.
On Thursday, the Centre introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for passage in the Lower House to mandate 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state/UT Assemblies after a division of votes.
Two ordinary bills – the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill to implement the proposed amended women’s quota in the UTs of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir – were also introduced in the House the same day.
The bills will be put to vote in the Lok Sabha shortly. PTI KSH ARI ARI ARI
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.