AIDWA urges Kalam to expedite passage of Women's Reservation Bill

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) A twelve-member AIDWA delegation today submitted a memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam, urging him to use his good offices to expedite the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill.

The delegation, led by CPM leader Brinda Karat, appealed to ensure that 50 per cent of the Indian population is not denied its right.

''Of the total 539 seats in Parliament, there are only 48 women MPs.... These dismal figures are alarming for all people concerned with democracy. Democratic institutions can not be strengthened till all sections of society have equal right to participate in democratic processes,'' the memorandum said.

Earlier, AIDWA activists and supporters held a protest rally to Parliament, demanding early passage of the bill.

Activists from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Delhi participated in the rally.

AIDWA president Subhashini Ali said the real concerns of women and their political participation is being marginalised by fundamentalist forces.

UNI