A Bill to amend Article 243 D of the Constitution and thus increase reservation for women from one-third to not less than half of the seats in panchayats was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Bill is also aimed at increasing reservation for women in the post of Chairperson and in the seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes across three tiers (village panchayat, panchayat union and district panchayat).
Introducing the Constitution (110th Amendment) Bill, 2009, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister C.P. Joshi said the move would empower women and make panchayats more inclusive. According to the objects and reasons, women suffered multiple deprivations of class, caste and gender. The existing provisions in the Constitution facilitated women in general, especially those from the marginalised communities, to become politically active.
Bill to rename NREGS
Mr. Joshi introduced another Bill to name the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme after the Father of the Nation.
The statement of objects and reasons of the “National Rural Employment Guarantee (Amendment) Bill, 2009” says the association of Mahatma Gandhji’s name with the scheme would reinforce its thrust on equity and inclusiveness.