Date:07/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/07/stories/2008050760391200.htm

National

Consistent struggle pays off: AIDWA

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The All-India Women’s Democratic Association on Tuesday welcomed the tabling of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

“This is a direct outcome of the consistent struggle waged by all democratic sections, including the women’s movement, to secure their right to political representation in the highest decision-making bodies,” AIDWA president Subhashini Ali said in a statement.

Appeal to panel

As the Bill had been pending for 12 long years and as it had gone through a Select Committee, the Standing Committee, to which it has been referred, should finalise its recommendations after considering all proposals in a time-bound manner and return the Bill to Parliament as early as possible.

“Women of this country await redress of the long-standing discrimination to which they have been subjected. We urge all political parties and sections concerned to extend their support and cooperation so that the passage of the Bill within a stipulated time frame is facilitated.”

National Commission for Women chairperson Girija Vyas expressed happiness over the tabling of the Bill as it would ensure that the legislation did not lapse. She expressed the hope that it would be passed at the earliest. The National Federation of Indian Women says the Bill is not just to ensure the entry of a few women into the highest decision-making bodies but a positive step towards gender justice.