Parliament special sitting highlights: Constitution Amendment Bill to expand Lok Sabha to 850 seats defeated

Union minister Annpurna Devi on Friday said the proposed amendment to the women’s reservation act reflects the aspirations of crores of women and will mark a historic step towards ensuring their greater participation in lawmaking.

Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendments to the women’s quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, the minister for women and child development said the bills are strong proof of women’s rights and dignity in India.

“Crores of women across the country are watching the proceedings with great hope and expectation. After decades of struggle, they feel their aspirations are finally being fulfilled,” Ms. Devi said.

Claiming that such efforts faced repeated delays earlier, she said, “Whenever it comes to giving rights to women, the opposition creates hurdles to delay and derail the process.” She also questioned the Congress’ record on OBC issues, saying the party failed to act on key measures despite being in power for decades.

“You (Congress) ruled the country for 50 years. Why didn’t you act on the Mandal Commission report? Why was the OBC Commission not given constitutional status?” she asked.

“It was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the OBC Commission was granted constitutional status,” she said. 

-PTI