Here is a synopsis :
Ø First introduced in Lok Sabha ( Lower House ) by United Front Government in 1996
Ø Calls for 33 % reservation of seats for women from Lok Sabha to local legislatures. Panchayats ( village councils ) already have 33.3 % reservation for women
Ø Who is supporting whole-heartedly ?
Congress / BJP / AIDMK / other parties
Ø Who supports conditionally ?
Samajwadi Party / Bahujan Samaj Party / Rashtriya Janata Dal etc.
Ø What is their condition ?
Within the 33 % quota, there must be a sub-quota for women from backward classes
Ø Why this condition ?
They are afraid that in absence of a sub-quota, the bill will only help women from the elitist groups
Ø Who can bring about a compromise ?
Lok Sabha Speaker ( Ms ) Meira Kumar – herself a woman from a backward class
Ø What has been the progress so far ?
Bill has already been passed in Rajya Sabha ( Upper House ) in 2010
Ø What can we do ?
Pray that it does not meet the fate of the Lokpal Bill !
With regards
HEMEN PAREKH