Government ready to extend session to pass women's bill

The government Wednesday said it was ready to extend the ongoing parliament session, if necessary, to pass the long-pending women's reservation bill.

The winter session, the last of the 15th Lok Sabha, is to conclude on Feb 21.

The issue was raised by unattached member Jayaprada, who was supported by members of Left parties, Biju Janata Dal, Trinamool Congress and even some from the Congress, many of whom were on their feet expressing solidarity with her demand.

"If the government can make so much effort to get the Telangana bill passed, why can't it do so for the women's bill? What is the government's intention," Jayaprada asked.

Without naming the Samajwadi Party, which has expelled her, the cine star-turned-politician said: "Some parties don't want this bill to be passed. But the government can make efforts."

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Basudeb Acharia also said the bill has been "pending for so many years. Why can't you (government) bring it?"

In his response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said: "I entirely agree with the members. I am ready to extend the session to get the Women's Reservation Bill passed, if the house agrees."

The bill, introduced by the United Progressive Alliance-I government in May 2008 and passed by the Rajya Sabha in March 2010, seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies.