The Hindu : National : All-party meet on women’s Bill

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All-party meet on women’s Bill

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Indicating a renewed effort at evolving 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 after the March 20 Parliament break.

Seeking consensus

Responding to a strong plea by Brinda Karat and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Dr. Singh said although he could not give an assurance on the possible outcome of the efforts to get the Bill through, he would convene the meeting. “I will go back to the political parties and seek a consensus.”

Raising the issue, Ms. Karat pointed out that unless the Bill was passed in the budget session, there was no chance of women getting reservation in the next elections to Parliament and the State Assemblies. “The government will be held solely responsible for the Bill not getting through.”

Supporting her, Mr. Yechury urged the Prime Minister to give a categorical assurance of the government’s intent on the issue.

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