Date:23/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/23/stories/2004122304731200.htm

National

"Women's day" in the Rajya Sabha

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 22. The Rajya Sabha Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, has always encouraged women members to participate in the proceedings of the House. Today five women members — S.G. Indra, Hema Malini, Pramila Bohidar, Alka Balram Kshatriya and Kum Kum Rai — asked questions on subjects ranging from internal security, international aid, domestic silk industry and sports academy.

When Ms. Indra and Bimba Raikar asked a question on protection of the domestic silk industry, Mr. Shekhawat remarked light-heartedly that the subject of silk was reserved for women members. It led a member to quip that today was "Mahila Diwas" (Women's Day) in the House.

Mr. Shekhawat expressed his happiness and satisfaction on the fact that women members were asking important questions. His effort was to make the presence of women members felt in the Upper House, though their representation is very low — just 27 out of 245, according to a Rajya Sabha secretariat release here.