AIDWA demands urgent passage of Women's Reservation Bill

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) Concerned over the delay in the passage of bills concerning women, an AIDWA delegation today called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and demanded immediate tabling of such bills, including 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and legislatures and protection against sexual harassment of women.

The delegation, led by senior CPI(M) leader and AIDWA Vice President Brinda Karat, also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister listing the bills which needed to be passed and amended.

''The legislation and amendments that we have recommended should immediately introduced by the Government and passed by parliament so that women can have better access to equality and justice, which they urgently required,'' AIDWA President Subhashini Ali and delegation member told a news conference.

Besides the bills on women's reservation and sexual harassment of women, AIDWA, which is observing its 25th anniversary, said bills that needed to be passed urgently are Criminal Law Amendment Bill, which will address rape and sexual assault, marital property rights for women and unorganised sector workers' bill.

The delegates urged the Dr Singh to bring changes in the Micro Financial Sector Development and Regulation Bill 2007, Communal Violence Bill 2005 and New Law for Trafficking in women and children.

Ms Ali said the Prime Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured the delegation that their demands will be considered.

However, about the 33 per cent reservation bill, Ms Ali said Dr Singh said some UPA allies were against the legislation hence the bill could not be tabled.

Emphasising the need for gender-just laws and gender equality, AIDWA legal Convener Kirti Singh said AIDWA had redrafted the Criminal Law Amendment Bill which remodels the laws relating to rape and sexual assault and makes them more inclusive and comprehensive.

She said child sexual abuse of various kinds urgently needs to be defined.

Regarding the protection against sexual harassment of women, MS Singh said the even the Central government has failed to backup the Vishaka judgement with appropriate legislation.

''The refusal of private as well as public institutions to implement the Vishaka guidelines cannot be proceeded against,'' she added.

''It is essential thatthis legislation be introduced after consultations with organisations of workers and women so that a law which will benefit all sections can be introduced on the ground,'' she said.

UNI