Talks over women's quota bill likely April 5

The government is likely to hold consultations with political parties on the women's reservation bill on April 5, official sources said in New Delhi today.

The government is likely to hold consultations with political parties on the women's reservation bill on April 5, official sources said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

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Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will attend the meeting, sources added.

To contain the protest that earlier this month stalled Lok Sabha proceedings for two days and stopped the government from presenting its flagship legislation, Mukherjee had promised that the "process of consultation with all concerned" would be completed before the legislation is labeled.

The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on March 9 amid much slogan shouting and unruly scenes by members opposing it.

The government could not push the bill in the Lok Sabha during the first part of the budget session that concluded March 16 following strong protests by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal-United, and rift within the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over it.

The second part of the budget session of parliament will commence here April 15.