Need to have 50% reservation for women in Parliament and assembly: Priyanka Chaturvedi

On International Women’s Day, the issues of women’s empowerment and equal rights are being discussed all over the country. This issue was also discussed in the Rajya Sabha during the budget session of Parliament on Monday, March 8.

Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi addressed the Rajya Sabha and demanded that 50 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and assembly.

Even after 24 years after the first talk of the Women Reservation Bill, the Bill has not seen the light of day after being passed by the Rajya Sabha, she said.

Besides, Dr Fauzia Khan of the NCP said that many audits have shown that not more than 6 per cent of women have got leadership roles. We must think about it. There is a need to make a beginning by bringing the legislation on 33 per cent reservation of women in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Moreover, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu encouraged the women MPs to speak on several issues.

The Women's Reservation Bill—The Constitution 108th Amendment Bill, 2008—is pending in Parliament. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on March 9, 2010. The Bill proposes to amend the Constitution of India to reserve one-third of all seats in the Lok Sabha and in all state legislatures for women.

Each year on March 8, International Women's Day is observed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.