The Hindu : National : Somnath for more women in legislatures

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Sunday, Feb 17, 2008
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Somnath for more women in legislatures

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee has called for greater representation of women in the legislatures.

Welcoming a seven-member delegation from the U.K., Mr. Chatterjee bemoaned the low representation of women in the legislatures and hoped that the participation of women would increase at all levels, including legislative bodies.

Referring to the issue of reservation for women in the local bodies across the country, he said it had increased the participation of women in the decision-making process at various levels.

Mr. Chatterjee further said democracy had taken firm roots in India, particularly at the grassroots level and that India was, perhaps, the only country in the world having successfully introduced electronic voting machines in every polling booth.

Responding to the visiting delegation’s observation regarding coalition governments, the Speaker said it had become inevitable in India and that the democratic polity had performed well, accommodating the multiplicity and diversity of social and political shades of our people.

On the role of regional parties at the national level, Mr. Chatterjee complimented them for their national outlook and constructive participation.

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