Women's Bill: J&K govt in no hurry - By Sana Altaf

The state government may be in no hurry to introduce a bill giving one third reservation to the women in state assembly constituencies. A similar constitutional amendment bill (women's reservation bill), ensuring one third reservation to women in Lok Sabha and assemblies on rotational basis was passed in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.
Talking to Kashmir Times law and parliamentary affairs minister, Ali Mohammad Sagar said the state government does not yet have any proposal to move such a bill in the legislature. "The passing of the bill in Rajya Sabha yesterday is a welcome step and will have a positive impact on the status of women in the state," said Sagar.

When asked about the government's intention of taking up the bill in the legislature he said, "As of now there is no such proposal; the bill might be introduced in the legislature but this has to be decided by the Chief Minister."

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the bill and expressed the need of introducing the bill in legislature. While reiterating his party's stand for empowering women, spokesperson PDP, Nayeem Akhtar said, "It is a very good step taken by the centre and would definitely have good impact on the women of the state. Its immediate impact would be the allotment of two seats to women out of six from the state in Lok Sabha elections."

He added that though his party has already taken steps in recruiting women at local level governing bodies like Panchayat, "But it should be done at broader level

which would first require amendments and debates before being taken to point of decisions. It should be considered."
Since Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special constitutional status under Article 370, a bill passed by the parliament cannot be extended and implemented in the state before being passed in the state legislature.

Describing the participation of women vital in the country's decision making, Communist party on India (M) state secretary, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that such laws are much needed in Kashmir where women have been victimized and isolated.

"It is a land mark development to give such reservation to women. It will go a long way in empowering women of country and state as well," Tarigami said.

He added that women should be given equal participation in every sphere to enable them to work at par with men.

"It is very important that women should have a say in decision making. It is not an obligation or a favour on women but a genuine decision," added Tarigami.

Pradesh Congress Committee has also welcomed the bill, terming it as a dream realised.

"It was Rajiv Gandhi's dream to empower women and it has been fulfilled now. It will encourage women of Kashmir and drive them to politics which for sure they can handle successfully," stated Vice President PCC, Abdul Gani Vakil.

Regarding the extension of the bill to the legislature he opined, "It should be implemented and introduced in the state so that the condition of women in our state is improved. Women are capable to stand strong in every field, so why not in the politics."

He, however, said that there is no decision has been so far taken as to when the initiative would be taken. "It would be debated and after consensus from all parties would become a law. And I am sure no party would oppose it in legislature."

Pertinently, the Bill seeks to reserve a third of the seats of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for 15 years on a rotational basis. It was first introduced in 1996, but it took 14 years for another version of it to be put to vote. It was opposed by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Lok Janshakti Party on the grounds that the bill includes no quota for Dalit women and Muslim women.