Fight for Women’s Reservation Bill

The 22 year-journey of the Women’s Reservation Bill has hit roadblocks in each of its outings in Parliament before it cleared the first legislative barrier in 2010. According to media reports, a number of parliamentarians, over the years, have opposed the passing of the Bill, leaving it in its current state.

Women’s groups from across India assembled at Press Club, New Delhi last week to share their concern regarding passage of the long pending bill, which is the ‘m      ost delayed’ bill in the history of Independent India.

The National Alliance for Women’s Reservation Bill has initiated a massive letter campaign, wherein more than 5000 letters have been sent to Prime Minister's residence to demand the passage of the Bill. The Alliance also released “Women’s Charter” for all the political parties, leaders, and opinion makers, which include the demand for passage of “Women’s Reservation Bill” among other demands.

Key speakers at the press conference included Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director, Centre for Social Research, New Delhi, Ms Asha Devi from Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust and members of several other women rights organisations. Village women from across India also assembled at the venue of press conference and addressed the media. Experts feel that the present BJP government has the required number of parliamentarians to pass the bill. 

In addition, the Congress party has also supported the Bill, so it would be easy to overcome resistance, if there is any. In other words, a single landmark initiative of introducing the bill in parliament could mean changing the country for good forever.