NEW DELHI: Women's groups have welcomed the nomination of Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil for President and expressed the hope that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) will introduce the Women's Reservation Bill in the same spirit.

In a statement here on Friday, the All-India Democratic Women's Association hoped that the acceptance of a woman as the constitutional head would create a larger appreciation of women's contribution to public life and ensure their due space in all spheres, including politics.

"The AIDWA enthusiastically endorsed Lakshmi Sehgal, Left candidate in the last Presidential election, and we are happy that the Left has played its role this time in finalising the choice of Ms. Patil, who looks all set to become the first woman President of India."

The National Federation of Indian Women, congratulating the UPA, the Left and other political parties, said: "The victory of Ms. Patil will be an inspiring message to the entire world. India being the largest democracy, having women as President[s] will have great impact on the developments in the coming days."

Appealing to all parties to extend full support for the victory of Ms. Patil, the NFIW said that it would be fitting to honour women of this country if she was elected unopposed.

The federation also hoped that the spirit of the historic movement would be carried forward to the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill.

Secular credentials

The Delhi Catholic Archdiocese said: "While Parliament is still debating the 33 per cent Reservation Bill for Women, the nomination of Ms. Patil to the highest constitutional office is a welcome development and would pave the way for greater gender equality in the country."

Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao said Ms. Patil already proved her secular credentials by not signing the controversial anti-conversion Bill "hurriedly" passed by the Rajasthan Assembly last year.

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury said the nomination of Ms. Patil was a great day for women all over the country.

Women Power Connect "welcomes the UPA's befitting tribute to Indian women in the 60th year of the country's Independence. We hope that in the same spirit, the UPA will introduce the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament," said its president Ranjana Kumari.

A delegation of the All-India Mahila Congress met party president Sonia Gandhi to thank her for proposing the name of Ms. Patil for President.

"Matter of great pride"

"The nomination of Ms. Patil is a matter of great pride for Indian womanhood. The biggest democracy in the world hinges on the wonderful prospects of being headed by a woman," said a statement issued by Mahila Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi.

"The decision took the nation by surprise but historically this decision is a leap in the process of women's empowerment in India and will be welcomed by women all over the world," the statement said.

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