‘Women's Bill cannot be passed in present form’
NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (PTI)
Shabana Azmi, film actress and activist Parliamentarian who has been in the
forefront of championing women's reservation in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, feels
that the present legislation cannot be passed and an alternative has to be
considered.
“I think the Bill in its present form cannot be passed. One has to be realistic
and look at an alternative proposal," she said in an interview as she prepares
for life after expiry of her Rajya Sabha term later this month.
“Women's reservation is not a magic wand with which all problems of women will
disappear. What it will do is to give women the right to participate in the
decision-making process. I believe when a critical mass of women get empowered
politically, they will transform the very notion of power so that it becomes
more about sharing rather than the powerful oppressing the powerless.”
She said the proposal for dual membership as a way out of the present problem
would be welcome if it was implemented in 100 per cent of the seats so that
women get equal representation. “Perhaps, the answer lies in making it legally
binding for all political parties to give 33 per cent seats to women as a
constitutional amendment,” she said.
From Bollywood to social activism to Parliament, it has been an enriching
journey for Shabana, who has now been approached by more than one party to play
an active role in politics.
On being asked whether she intended to enter active politics, Shabana said "I
have not made up my mind. I have been approached by more than one party."
However, the actress who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, refused to divulge
the names of the parties which had approached her.
On her tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, she said, "I think it was a privilege for me. I
was able to witness first hand the vibrancy of Indian democracy. What I realised
first of all is that there is plurality of contesting voices that need to be
accommodated in national interest. To be able to do this without fear is the
hallmark of democracy, and in this context India does itself proud."
Shabana, who found her stint in the Rajya Sabha perhaps the most educative of
all her experiences said, "It is in this House that I learned how it is possible
to shout on top of your voice without any bitterness spilling over into your
personal lives -- That it is desirable to remain civil even when you hold
bitterly opposite points of view."
On the shortcomings in the Rajya Sabha, the actress said, "I won't say there are
shortcomings". But, what, I think, there is a propensity to take up issues which
have a political volatility. "I think what we need is more pre-occupation with
subjects like health, education, and women's empowerment."
[Deccan Herald: Monday, August 25, 2003 ]