Kerala: 50 pc quota for women in civic bodies

Thiruvanathapuram, Aug 19: CPM-led LDF government in Kerala has decided to reserve 50 pc seats in panchayats and all other civic bodies for women.

Announcing this after a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said, "A special session of the state Assembly would be convened from Sep 8 to 17 to bring in a legislation in this regard."

Currently, 33 pc seats in civic bodies are constitutionally reserved for women. If necessary, states have powers to bring in amendments to their respective laws to enhance women's representation up to 50 per cent.

This amendment will help to increase women's representation on administrative panels of civic bodies like standing committees, giving them a decisive say on important matters like Budget allocations for welfare schemes.

OneIndia News