National

Manmohan hints at move for consensus on women’s Bill

NEW DELHI: Indicating a renewed effort to evolve consensus on the stalled Women’s Reservation Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that he would convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue and arrive at a consensus after the March 20 Parliament break.

Responding to a strong plea by the senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) member, Brinda Karat, and Sitaram Yechury on the issue, Dr. Singh said although he could give an assurance on what could be the possible outcome of the efforts to get the Bill through, he would convene a meeting of all the political parties to find a consensus after the mid-session break of Parliament on March 20. “I will go back to the political parties and seek a consensus,” he said.

The matter was raised by Ms. Karat as soon as the Prime Minister finished his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the House.

Ms. Karat was on her feet seeking the attention of the Prime Minister pointing out that unless the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Budget session of Parliament, there was no chance of women getting reservation in the next elections to Parliament and State Assemblies.

“The Government will be held solely responsible for the Bill not getting through.”

She was supported by Mr. Yechury who urged the Prime Minister to give a categorical assurance on the intent of the Government on the issue.

Earlier, during his reply, Dr. Singh said his Government had made numerous efforts in the past and the time had come to make another renewed effort to bring about a consensus on the issue. He expressed “deep regret” for not moving forward despite the commitment of his government on this front.

“We have made, in the last three years, efforts to evolve a broad-based consensus. We have not succeeded and I admit that this is a commitment in our Common Minimum Programme ,” he said.

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