Paswan demands 33 per cent reservation for women in all services

New Delhi, Dec 26 (UNI) Even as the political parties remain divided on the bill seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, the Lok Jansakthi Party (LJP) of Ram Vilas Paswan today demanded a similar percentage of reservation in all government and non-government services.

A resolution adopted at a two-day National Executive of the Party, which concluded today, said women should be given 33 per cent reservation not only in Panchayat, Municipal Corporation and Vidhan Sabha but in all services.

The resolution said women should be given interest free loan to run their own industrial units.

The LJP, a minor partner in the ruling UPA coalition at the Centre, suggested the government launch a special campaign among women to check population.

The Executive passed another resolution demanding the introduction of reservation for minority, backwards, SCs and STs, and economically poor section of higher castes in private sector.

And "Right to work" be included in the fundamental rights in the Constitution.

It also demanded constitution of a "National Commission" for youth and students on the pattern of the National Women's Commission.

Lauding the approach paper to the 11th Five year plan as "employment oriented" it said the job opporunities in agriculture sector would increase and the handicrafts, cottage industries and agriculture-related economy would get a boost.

The Executive made a strong case for creating a separate quota for minorities and other weaker sections in development plans.

On foreign policy, the LJP welcomed the non-military nuclear agreement with the United States as a significant step in the direction of meeting energy requirements of the country.

"In order to implement this agreement, the US administration should filfil its committments with responsbility, keeping in mind the sovereignty of India," the resolution said.

UNI SH AKJ HT1747