Amid the ongoing demand of the Opposition camp regarding the Women Reservation Bill, sources have informed that the Central Government is likely to table the Bill in Lok Sabha on September 20 during the Special Session of Parliament. Notably, the Special Session of Parliament was kicked off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, September 18, and will continue till September 22.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties belonging to the newly-formed anti-BJP alliance, I.N.D.I.A, are also pushing for the passage of the Bill during the Special Session of Parliament called by the Centre. A strong pitch for the Bill was made by several parties during the all-party meeting convened by the Government on the eve of the five-day Parliament session.
The Congress party has demanded the passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the upcoming special session of Parliament to pre-empt the BJP’s attempt to table the legislation. In fact, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge while speaking in the Rajya Sabha said, “I think it’s time to bring Women’s Reservation Bill.”
Elaborating on the Opposition’s demand, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had earlier said that all Opposition parties are demanding for the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill during the special Parliament session.
What is the Women’s Reservation Bill?
The Bill, if passed, will reserve at least a third of all seats for women in state Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. It is important to note that the Bill has been passed in the Rajya Sabha but remains pending in the Lower House of Parliament. The Congress’s push for the Bill comes at a time when the Central Government is working towards bringing schemes for women. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been pending for several years now and needs to get passed with consensus.
According to the Government data, women MPs account for less than 15% of Lok Sabha strength while their representation is below 10% in many State Assemblies.
