CPI urges panel to come out with report on Women's quota

New Delhi, Jun 17 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today urged the Standing Committee on Women's Reservation Bill to come out with its report as soon as possible so that Parliament can then deliberate over it.

In a memorandum to the Committee, the Left Front ally has stated that it is a fact there are so many aspects and so much differences in approaching the Bill and urged it to come out with its report.

The party memorandum further said the Draft Bill is the one that was processed by the Joint Select Committee set up during the United Front Government chaired by Geeta Mukerjee, an ardent fighter for gender equality and women's empowerment.

It pointed out that a number of responsible persons and political parties were opposing the Bill's provisions and putting forth their own contrary views, which is even though not surprising. All measures of social change, social justice and social progress in general has given rise to bitter controversies, it said.

The Standing Committee should work hard for reaching a consensus on these issues, so as to present an unanimous report. The stated position of every party on the question of Women's Reservation are well-known. So, if these are to be repeated, there can be no forward movement, the memorandum said.

''Only a report based on broad consensus can take the issue forward, turning it into a debate in the two houses of Parliament to clinch the issue,'' it added.

UNI BKS PY RP RN1953