The Hindu : Talks on for passing Women's Bill: PM

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 25, 2003

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Talks on for passing Women's Bill: PM

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 24. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today said talks with political parties were on in and outside Parliament to find a solution to the standoff over the Women's Reservation Bill.

"Talks are going on with political parties in and outside Parliament. We hope that by the end of the current session, something will come out. I am hopeful that our efforts will be met with success", Mr. Vajpayee said in the Rajya Sabha, when several women members wanted to know the fate of the Bill.

Mr. Vajpayee said there was no difference of opinion on the Bill but political parties differed on the method and quantum of reservation for women. He hoped some decision would be taken by the political parties on the Bill. "If we are not successful, we shall come before you with the reasons behind the failure."

The senior Congress member, Manmohan Singh, said his party had extended full support to the Bill. "We are committed to the passage of the Bill."

The Deputy Chairperson, Najma Heptullah, hoped the Bill would be passed before the next Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier, the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha demanded that the Government should consult and take it into confidence on the dialogue with Pakistan in the wake of Mr. Vajpayee extending the "hand of friendship" to Islamabad.

Senior Congress member, K. Natwar Singh, said the Prime Minister should consult the Opposition at the time of formulating negotiations with Pakistan. He was speaking after the Prime Minister made a statement in the House on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir between April 18 and 19 and was supported by his party colleague, Suresh Pachouri and the CPI (M) leader, Nilotpal Basu.

Mr. Basu said his party had never opposed the Government on important issues such as Kashmir but it should be taken into confidence.

Though members do seek clarifications on suo motu statements made by the Prime Minister or Ministers in the House, they deviated from the convention, saying they would not seek any clarification from the Prime Minister. Both, Mr. Basu and Mr. Pachouri wanted the Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to ensure that it was not made a precedent.

Mr. Vajpayee had made an identical statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

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