Process of bringing Women's Bill in Par in motion

New Delhi, Dec 8: The Government today announced in the RajyaSabha that it was in favour of bringing the Women's Reservation Bill inParliament ''as early as possible'' and the process to bring the Billbefore the House was set into motion.

Soon after Question Hour, Ms Sushma Swaraj, BJP sought a statementfrom Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Pachauri by what time itwould bring the Bill before Parliament as the Cabinet had discussed theissue in its last meeting.

Mr Pachauri, initially contended that the issues discussed in theBusiness Advisory Committee can not be debated in the Rajya Sabha.

His argument was, however, not acceptable to former DeputyChairman of Rajya Sabha Najma Heptulla. She said she was not a memberof the BAC but the House was entitled to know the Government's mind onthe Bill.

The House witnessed rare unanimity with the women MPs cuttingacross party lines demanding the Bill to be brought forthwith. MsBrinda Karat, CPI-M joined the issue saying the demand was justifiedand the Minister should make the statement.

Mr Pachauri said the UPA government was interested in bringing theBill and the process to set the Bill into motion was initiated.

UNI