NEW DELHI: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) chief S. Ramadoss on Wednesday assured women's groups that his party would make all efforts to ensure that the Women's Reservation Bill is tabled and passed in Parliament.

Addressing a rally, organised by the National Federation of Indian Women and other women's groups here, Dr. Ramadoss said the PMK had always championed the cause of women's development and believed in granting them equal opportunities in education, employment and economy.

However, to achieve this, women need to be politically empowered. This could be done only by reserving seats in Parliament and Assemblies.

Information Technology and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran also sought the passage of the Bill. He said Tamil Nadu was the first State to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in panchayats during the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam rule. The DMK wanted the Bill to be passed without any dilution.

Among others present at the rally were Union Environment and Forests Minister A. Raja, Sudhakar Reddy (CPI), Durga (TDP) and Syeda Hamind, member of the Planning Commission.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail