Women's groups from across country meet to discuss passage of Women's Reservation Bill

Even though the passage of the long pending Women's Reservation Bill was on the election manifestos of both the BJP and Congress, this important Bill has hardly been discussed since the new government took over charge and seems to be lost in the corridors of power.

Women's groups from across India assembled at the Press Club on Tuesday to share their concerns regarding the passage of the Bill, which many consider as the 'most delayed' Bill in the history of Independent India.

"It may seem paradoxical but it is true to say that the political leadership in a country which registers the highest number of maternal deaths, high cases of violence against women and serious evils like female foeticide, continues to remain averse to women's participation in politics and governance," said Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research.

"It is extremely critical that women's political participation becomes a reality, not just a political rhetoric, if we are serious about building a nation where women thrive and feel safe and respected," added other key members representing more than 50 women's organisations.

Experts feel that the present BJP government has the required number of parliamentarians to pass the Bill. In addition to this, the Congress party has always been supportive of the Bill, so it would be easy to overcome resistance, if there is any. And most importantly, our PM has the will and determination to take such steps. In other words, a single landmark initiative of introducing the Bill in Parliament this coming session could mean changing the country for good forever.

Last year, the women's groups had met with the then Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Venkaiah Naidu and presented an MoU demanding the passage of the Bill.