New Delhi, August 22
The all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the women’s reservation Bill today failed to break the deadlock with the parties sticking to their respective stand, dampening hopes of tabling of the Bill in the current monsoon
session of Parliament.
The two-and-a-half-hour meeting of UPA allies and supporting parties could not break the ice, as the RJD, the SP and the BSP pitched for quota for SC, ST, and OBC, in the Bill.
Barring these three parties, there was general consensus among the parties for the introduction of the Bill in the current session. As a way out, some members were of the view that the original Bill could be introduced in this session and then sent to the Select Committee, which could study the Bill in detail and suggest amendments.
The government is trying to evolve a consensus on the Bill, which seeks to increase the number of seats in Parliament and state legislature by 33 per cent to give representation to women representatives. As per the Bill, the number of representatives in the 545 member Lok Sabha would increase to a little over 700.
Although, Left parties are opposed to increasing the number of seats and want the original bill, which called for 33 per cent reservation in the existing 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, they were, however, open to the new formula of the government, provided the Bill was tabled in the House.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the Left parties, RJD, LJP, SP, BSP, DMK and TRS. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad were also present.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, RJD supremo and Union Minister Lalu Prasad said if the Bill in its original form was introduced, then a separate quota should be earmarked for Muslims, SC, ST and OBC women.
He favoured only 10 per cent or maximum 15 per cent quota for women, irrespective of the category to which they belonged.
Observing that the RJD was committed to social
justice, he said whether it was old or new Bill, his party was not against the women’s reservation legislation.Samajwadi Party leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav opposed the rotation of seats, saying that it would hamper development work as members may not take interest in their constituencies.
On the provision for 33 per cent reservation, he said it was against democratic norms and cited instances of countries like the US and the UK where there was no reservation.
Congress leader Ambika Soni said today’s meeting was part of the ongoing exercise to evolve a consensus and added that discussions were held “freely and frankly.”
Asked whether the Bill would be introduced in the current session, she said there was no decision on it but, the discussions would definitely help the Prime Minister to firm up his views on the landmark legislation.
Meanwhile, CPM member Nilotpal Basu said government’s move to evolve a consensus was “only a delay tactics” as there was a general consensus on the issue among 80 per cent of the parties, if one went by the public statements made by them on the issue.
