No time frame for bringing Women's Reservation Bill: Govt

Law Minister said before bringing a bill for amendment before Parliament, issue involved needs careful consideration

Government today refused to give a time frame for introducing in Parliament the Bill which seeks to give 33% reservation to women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, saying a consensus among parties is needed.

In a written response in Lok Sabha, Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said it is the endeavour of the government to provide reservation on one-third seats to women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.

"The issue involved needs careful consideration on the basis of consensus among all political parties before a bill for amendment in the Constitution is brought before Parliament," he said.

He was asked to specify the steps being taken by the government for arriving at an early decision on the issue.

A similar bill, brought by the erstwhile UPA government, had lapsed following the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha. As per law, any bill pending in Lok Sabha lapses with the dissolution of the House. Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha and pending there are put on the "live register" and remain pending.

The 18-year journey of the Women's Reservation Bill was marked by high drama and roadblocks in each outing in Parliament before the historic measure cleared the first legislative hurdle in March 2010, when Rajya Sabha passed it amid ruckus.