CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday urged the United Progressive Alliance Government to ensure that the Bill to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament for women was carried through in the current session.

In an appeal to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Mr. Karunanidhi said he hoped she would personally work to provide a smooth passage of the Bill through both Houses.

The women's wing of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam would take out a procession here on Friday to reiterate the party's stand on the Bill. Tamil Nadu had implemented 33 per cent reservation for women in local bodies immediately after the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

Pledging his Government's continued support for the women's cause, he outlined several women-friendly schemes initiated during his five terms as Chief Minister.

As a researcher in ancient Tamil literature, Mr. Karunanidhi said he had come across a number of positive references to womanhood. Though this had changed in recent times when there was an attempt by men to suppress women, women had proved themselves capable of several tasks, including administration and governance.

He earlier distributed certificates of merit and cash awards to leaders of women self-help groups at the International Women's Day meeting organised by the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and Collaborators (DMI).

Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin distributed financial aid to SHG members and educational grants to children with disabilities.

He said Periyar's ideal of providing equal opportunities for women (including equal property rights) had been realised by Chief Minister Karunanidhi. Reservation for women in local bodies had been implemented with success in Tamil Nadu — women were heading panchayats, unions and Corporation Councils.

Minister of State for Human Resources Development Duggabati Purandareswari said the Centre had taken measures to ensure the welfare and dignity of women.

Besides the amendments to ensure property rights for women and reservation in the local bodies, the Government had passed legislation to prevent domestic violence against women.

Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G.K. Vasan released a souvenir and said no nation could claim progress until it supported the development of women.

Rev.A.M. Chinappa, Archbishop, Madras Diocese, received the first copy of the souvenir.

MLA Peter Alphonse lauded Mr. Karunanidhi's concern for the welfare of women.

Sr. Virgin, president, Society of DMI, presented the annual report.

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