Lok Sabha passes Women’s Reservation Bill; HM Amit Shah says, Women empowerment is not a political issue for BJP

 The bill is called Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The Bill was passed after a division of vote in which 454 MPs voted in favor of the Bill while two MPs were against it. The Bill was introduced yesterday on the first day of proceedings of the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament Building.

 Replying to the discussion over the Bill, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, the bill will provide greater representation to women in policymaking. Earlier, moving the Bill, Mr. Meghwal said, it is a step towards women's empowerment and it will enhance their dignity by ensuring equality of opportunities. He said the present government has taken several steps towards removing social and economic inequalities in the country by implementing several schemes ensuring equality for women.

 Speaking on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, women-led development will start with the passage of the Women Reservation Bill. He said, this Bill would ensure women's participation in the policy-making which was pending for years.

Mr. Shah said, women's empowerment can be a political issue for many parties but this is not a political issue for the BJP but it is a working culture for the BJP. He said, that since the formation of this Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, security, dignity, and participation of women have been the focus area of the government.

Giving the example of Jan Dhan account, he said, 70 percent of account holders are women. He said, 11 crore 72 lakh toilets were made across the country which ensured the empowerment of women. Mr. Shah said, three crore houses were built for women and 12 crore houses have been connected with tap water connections.

He said, three crore women have benefitted under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. Refuting the allegations of opposition parties over the Bill, he said, census and delimitation will be held after the 2024 Lok Sabha Election. Over the less representation of OBC in the Government, Mr. Shah informed the House that 85 MPs and 29 Ministers belong to the OBC category. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also belongs to the OBC category.