Process of bringing Women's Bill in Parliament set into motion

New Delhi, Dec 8 (UNI) The Government today announced in the Rajya Sabha that it was in favour of bringing the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament ''as early as possible'' and the process to bring the Bill before the House was set into motion.

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

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

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

The House witnessed rare unanimity with the women MPs cutting across party lines demanding the Bill to be brought forthwith. Ms Brinda Karat, CPI-M joined the issue saying the demand was justified and the Minister should make the statement.

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

UNI MCN Mir HT1315