New Delhi, Sept 19, 2023: Indian National Congress (INC) president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday addressed a special session of the Indian Parliament on the Women's Reservation Bill. In her address, Gandhi called the bill "ours, Apna Hai" and urged all members of Parliament to support it.
The Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of all seats in the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies for women, has been pending in Parliament for over two decades. It has been passed by the Rajya Sabha but has not been able to get through the Lok Sabha.
In her address, Gandhi argued that the Women's Reservation Bill is essential for ensuring gender equality in India. She said that the bill will give women a voice in the political process and help them to achieve their full potential.
"The Women's Reservation Bill is ours, Apna Hai. It is a bill that will empower women and give them a greater say in the decision-making process of our country. I urge all members of Parliament to put aside their differences and support this important bill," Gandhi said.
Gandhi also appealed to the government to take a lead in getting the Women's Reservation Bill passed. She said that the government has a moral responsibility to ensure that the bill is passed in this session of Parliament.
"The government has a majority in the Lok Sabha. It has the power to get the Women's Reservation Bill passed. I urge the government to take a lead in getting this bill passed in this session of Parliament," Gandhi said.
The Women's Reservation Bill has been supported by many women's groups and civil society organizations. However, it has also been opposed by some political parties and conservative groups.
The special session of the Parliament on the Women's Reservation Bill is seen as an opportunity for the government to revive the bill and get it passed. The government has expressed its support for the bill but it remains to be seen whether it will be able to get it through the Lok Sabha.
Experts React to Sonia Gandhi's Speech
Experts have welcomed Sonia Gandhi's speech and her call for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill.
"Sonia Gandhi's speech is a timely reminder of the importance of the Women's Reservation Bill. The bill has been pending in Parliament for over two decades, and it is time for it to be passed," said political analyst Amrita Basu.
"The Women's Reservation Bill is a critical step towards ensuring gender equality in India. It will give women a greater say in the decision-making process of our country," said women's rights activist Ranjana Kumari.
The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill is a long-overdue step towards ensuring gender equality in India. It is hoped that the special session of the Parliament on the bill will provide an opportunity for the government to revive the bill and get it passed.
