RS MPS JOIN HANDS FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS
On Thursday, both Houses of Parliament again could not conduct business because of the stalemate between the government and opposition parties. But in the Rajya Sabha, there was a discussion to mark International Women’s Day. Members batted for the early passage of the women’s reservation bill. The bill, pending in the Lower House, seeks to reserve 33% seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. A plethora of women-related issues were also discussed in the House.
› Women’s reservation bill alone will not serve the purpose. There has to be political will followed by administrative skill to go for the kill of evil practices against women.
› M VENKAIAH NAIDU, Vice-President …There was a time when the police, army, air force and aviation were the domain of men. But today, women are carrying out combat duty, flying military planes, going to space and climbing Mt Everest with an artificial foot.
› SUSHMA SWARAJ, external affairs minister
If this House so pleases, we can pass an amendment which will bring in the 33%. If there is a political will, it should be implemented…India loses 1% of her GDP because of noninclusion of women on levelplaying fields. RENUKA CHOWDHURY, Congress
› Renuka Chowdhury took the name of Gandhiji…I must take the name of Periyar, I must take the name of Lenin, who all stood for the empowerment of women…
D RAJA, CPI
› …We don’t want to be celebrated for our sacrifices. We don’t want to be celebrated for what we give up. We want to be celebrated for what we are. KANIMOZHI, DMK
I find it strange that when we celebrate women’s day, men don’t celebrate men’s day as they get the opportunity and oneupmanship throughout the year. …I request all men to stop throwing crumbs at us. And instead of this tokenism, treat us with respect throughout the year. ANU AGA, Nominated