Apprehending that the women's bill could be put on the back-burner, AIADMK General Secretary Jayalalithaa on Tuesday asked the central government to take all steps for its passage in the Lok Sabha when the budget session resumes on Thursday.
"Nearly a month after it was passed in the Rajya Sabha, the Women's Reservation Bill is yet to be tabled in the Lok Sabha which is a matter of concern. This gives rise to apprehensions among women that it could once again be put on the back-burner," she said in a statement in Chennai.
To allay such fears, the union government should make all efforts to pass the proposed legislation when Parliament resumes its sitting on April 15.
Women comprise half of India's population and they deserve equal opportunities, which all parties must realise and enable smooth passage of the Bill, she said.
The Bill, reserving 33 per cent of seats in Lok Sabha and and State Assemblies for women was passed in the Rajya Sabha last month but is yet to be tabled in the Lok Sabha. The measure is being opposed by SP and RJD and some other parties who are insisting on sub-quota for OBCs and minorities.