Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Mahila Congress has raised concerns over the timing and intent of the Centre’s recent discussions on the Women’s Reservation Bill, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Addressing a press conference, North Goa Mahila Congress President Mauli Gama Silver, along with state leaders, including Dr. Pratiksha Khalap, questioned the decision to convene deliberations on the bill during an ongoing election period. The leaders alleged that the ruling BJP is approaching the issue with an “election-driven mindset” rather than a genuine commitment to women’s empowerment.
Dr. Khalap noted that the Women’s Reservation Bill has a long legislative history, with efforts dating back several decades. She highlighted that provisions to enhance women’s representation were significantly strengthened during the tenure of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, particularly through reforms in Panchayati Raj institutions that boosted women’s participation at the grassroots level.
The Mahila Congress leaders further pointed out that similar legislative attempts were introduced in Parliament in the 1990s but could not be fully implemented due to political instability. While acknowledging the broad political consensus in 2023, they expressed concern that implementation of the current law has been linked to the completion of the census and delimitation processes, potentially delaying its rollout.
They also alleged that opposition parties have not been adequately consulted on the contents and proposed amendments of the bill. According to them, a reform of such significance requires detailed parliamentary scrutiny and inclusive dialogue rather than expedited discussions during election cycles.
Reiterating their stand, the leaders demanded greater clarity and transparency from the government, emphasising that women’s reservation is a long-pending democratic reform that should remain free from electoral considerations.
