On International women’s Day, women legislators of Bihar, cutting across party lines, on Wednesday demanded 50 % reservation for women in State legislatures and in Parliament as well.
In the 243-member State Assembly, there are only 27 women legislators.
As soon as the House convened on Wednesday, the women legislators from all parties rose from their seat and demanded 50% reservation in Parliament and State legislatures of the country.
Move appreciated
While appreciating their move, Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhury said such a legislation can only be brought in Parliament. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shravan Kumar, too, welcomed the demand but said “this could only be done through legislation in Parliament.”
“Considering the fact that women form nearly half of the country’s population we should be given half representation in State legislatures and Parliament,” said Ranju Geeta, ruling party JD(U) MLA from Bajpatti. She lauded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for making a provision of 50% reservation for women in State panchayat and local bodies.
RJD MLA from Patepur Assembly Prema Chaudhury and JD(U) MLA from Khagaria Poonam Yadav said “women need what is due for them for long and, like local bodies poll in Bihar, we should also get 50% reservation in State legislatures and Parliament as well.”
Male members of the Assembly smiled when the women MLAs were making their demand.
