New Delhi: Raising the issue of Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra today sought the immediate passage of the Bill in the Upper House of the Parliament.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu appreciated Patra for raising the issue during the Special Mentions in the upper house saying “First submission, good, best submission”.
The newly-elected RS member spoke about the good work undertaken by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in providing 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha for 2019 elections as well as 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
He said, “The Constitution Amendment Bill, 2008, popularly known as Women’s Reservation Bill is my subject. Women’s Reservation Bill which aims at empowering the women of India by ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies is no way heard, seen or discussed any more”.
“It was expected that after the elections with the new Government coming to power, the fortunes of passing the Women’s Reservation Bill would improve. But in this session of Parliament, it has not been brought forth,” the BJD MP said.
He further said, “In Odisha, Hon’ble Chief Minister ensures 33% reservation for women for contesting Lok Sabha in 2019 elections. He also provided 50% reservation for women in Odisha in the Panchayati Raj institutions. Delegations have been sent to about 22 political parties to garner support for passing the Women’s Reservation Bill”.
“A few political parties in India also showed their resolve in supporting this initiative. However, in this session, the Women’s Reservation Bill not being brought forth is another lost opportunity and the Union Government must take immediate steps in this regard,” he added.
The matter of women’s empowerment is highlighted during elections as we show during 2019 general elections. But after that, it again goes into a limbo, he highlighted.
He urged the Central Government to undertake immediate steps for bringing forth the Women’s Reservation Bill.