NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker
Meira Kumar today said the passage of Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament
depended upon consensus, indicating that it was still a tough task.
"Consensus is very necessary for its passage," Kumar said when asked whether she
is hopeful of the passage of the Bill, which has been hanging fire over a decade
due to lack of consensus.
Though maintaining that the Women Reservation Bill is gaining momentum, the
Speaker said, "the next process will be its taking up by Rajya Sabha. Let see
what happens there."
When pointed out that a number of political parties have already begun opposing
the Bill in its present form, the Speaker said: "Yes it is true. Last time also
the same thing had happened. It is necessary that there is a consensus of
everybody on it."
She, however, felt that there is no major problem between the two main parties
Congress and BJP over the issue.
"Do you think they have different views. So far as I have seen, at times, they
are on the same side on this issue," was the Speaker's refrain when asked
whether she thinks that the two major parties should come together for the
smooth passage of the Bill.
The Union Cabinet last night approved the Bill, which seeks to provide 33 per
cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Political parties like SP, RJD and JD-U are opposing the Bill in its present
form demanding quota within quota.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Passage-of-Womens-Reservation-Bill-will-be-tough-Speaker/articleshow/5621327.cms