INDIA: Historic Women’s Bill Passed in the Upper House
Rajiya Sabha, the Upper House of Indian Parliament has passed a Women’s Bill that will allow the reservation of 33% of seats for women in both the national Parliament and State legislative assemblies in India.
The bill was passed with 186 members of the 245-seat house voting in favour. Only one member voted against. Several smaller parties boycotted the vote, BBC news reported.
Once the bill gets past through the Lower House (Lok Sabha), the bill will become a law.
There are currently 59 women in the 545-member Lok Sabha. Under the proposals their numbers would rise to 181.
The composition of the 245-seat upper house, which at present has 21 women, will not be affected as its members are indirectly elected by state assemblies.
First introduced in 1996, the bill is now supported by most parties except the Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Loktantric Janata Party (LJP).
Meanwhile, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and SP Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav have said they will meet the President to formally withdraw their support to the UPA government. Between them, they have 26 Lok Sabha MPs.
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Posted: March 9th, 2010 under News & Views.
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Tags: India Women's Bill status