Pass women's reservation bill immediately: Activists

Demanding immediate passage of the women's reservation bill, women rights groups and activists Wednesday took out a protest march here.

Organised by the "Alliance for 33 percent," comprising over 30 women's groups, individuals and civil society organisations, the protesters said the Rajya Sabha passed the bill March 9, 2010, but it is awaiting a debate in the Lok Sabha for over three years now.

"The bill will lapse and the years of struggle will be undone, putting a decade-and-a-half-old demand in jeopardy," said a statement issued by the Alliance.

The public meeting was followed by a march to parliament.

The Alliance in the past few days has been meeting parliamentarians, urging them to mobilise support of their party colleagues on the issue.

The women's reservation bill will ensure 33 percent seats for women in parliament and state assemblies.