The Hindu : National : NFIW opposes EC proposal on women’s reservation

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NFIW opposes EC proposal on women’s reservation

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) has opposed the proposal of the Election Commission on reservation for women in Assemblies and Parliament that would make it mandatory for political parties to reserve seats for women.

This was absolutely unacceptable because in no way it would ensure women’s higher representation in the highest decision-making bodies. Most political parties would allot seats for women with a lesser winning chance, a statement issued by the NFIW general secretary Annie Raja said here on Sunday.

The Election Commission’s duty was to conduct free and fair elections. By proposing formulations for women’s reservation, it was talking beyond its brief. The power to enact any law lay with Parliament, she said.

The NFIW was of the firm opinion that women’s reservation was not for a few to get elected. It was the question of a positive social change in their favour. The experience since Independence showed that there must be constitutional guarantee for just representation of women in Parliament and Assemblies.

The BJP, by announcing a rally in support of the Election Commission’s proposal, had once again reiterated its hypocrisy and double standard on this important issue, Ms. Raja said.

The NFIW felt that BJP leader Sushma Swaraj should explain to the women of the country why she did not take the initiative to pass the Bill when her party was in power. The BJP had once again proved that it was anti-women, she said.

The United Progressive Alliance government must show the political will and courage to bring the Bill to Parliament and provide an opportunity for the political parties to debate and pass it, the statement said.

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