Lucknow: As the much-awaited Women Reservation Bill was passed  in Parliament today, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party, has underscored the need to establish separate quotas for women belonging to the OBC, SC, and ST communities within the proposed reservation system.

Mayawati stated, "In addition to the BSP, a majority of parties are expected to support the Women's Reservation Bill. We anticipate that, after thorough deliberation, this bill will finally pass, given its long-standing pending status. Previously, on behalf of my party in Parliament, I advocated for women to receive a 50% reservation instead of the proposed 33%, taking into account the female population. I hope the government will take this into consideration. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure a distinct quota for women from OBC, SC, and ST backgrounds within the overall women's reservation, as this would be equitable to them."

Sources reported that the Union Cabinet cleared the Women's Reservation Bill on Monday. Subsequently, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha on the second day of the special session in the new Parliament building.

Named the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam," the bill seeks to provide a 33% reservation in both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

In his address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on MPs to unite and pass the bill unanimously, emphasizing the lengthy history of discussions surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill. He noted, "The Women's Reservation Bill has been under discussion for a considerable period. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, the bill was introduced multiple times, but it lacked the necessary majority for passage, leaving this aspiration unfulfilled. Today, I have been given the opportunity to advance this cause. Our government is introducing a new bill today regarding women's participation in both Houses."

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