Meira's election as Speaker enhances prestige of India: Prez

As India got its first woman Lok Sabha Speaker, President Pratibha Patil today said the election of a Dalit woman with "honourable credentials" to the post has enhanced the prestige of the country's democratic traditions.  

Addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the President also congratulated Lok Sabha members "for unanimously electing the Speaker and that too a woman who is a Dalit with honourable credentials."  

"This has enhanced the prestige of India's democratic traditions, that of the House and its members," Patil said.  

This is the first time in India's political history that two high constitutional posts of President and Lok Sabha Speaker are occupied by women.  

Patil has been the President of India for nearly two years while Kumar was chosen by Congress to occupy the post of Lok Sabha Speaker, which was backed by all other parties.  

This time, the Lok Sabha also boasts of having a record number of 59 women members.