By IANS,
New Delhi : The government is yet to initiate discussions with “all concerned” on the women’s reservation bill, cleared by the Rajya Sabha and slated to be presented in the Lok Sabha when parliament resumes April 15 after a three-week break.
“I have no idea,” a minister told IANS Thursday when asked about the meeting with political parties on the contentious constitution amendment bill providing 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies.
To contain the protest that had stalled Lok Sabha proceedings for two days and stopping the government from presenting its flagship legislation, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had promised in the house March 11 that the “process of consultation with all concerned” would be completed before bringing the bill to the house.
The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha March 9 after witnessing unruly scenes by the MPs opposing the bill.
The government could not push the bill in the Lok Sabha during the first part of the budget session that concluded on March 16 following strong protests by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal-United and rift within the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the bill.
The BJP is getting restive too.
Criticising the government for delaying the process, the party asked the government to hold an all party meeting to evolve a consensus on the issue.
“They (the government) should convene an all party meeting to evolve consensus. We are supporting the bill. They must consult with the BJP also. There should not be a delay,” party spokesperson Ramnath Kovind told IANS.