Meghalaya legislators have welcomed the introduction of the women’s reservation bills earmarking 33 per cent seats for women across the lower house and State Legislative Assemblies during a special session of Parliament.
“As an individual, who believes in women empowerment, I’m very happy about the Bill and I welcome it. I’m sure that this will lead to a very positive strengthening and representation of women in the parliament and in the state assemblies,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma told media persons here today.
“I’m sure the State as a whole will be also acceptable because it’s one of the few states in the country that believes in socially empowering women by means of having a matrilineal system which is part of our culture,” he added.
Stating that his party the NPP will soon take an official stand on the matter, Sangma said, “As a party, of course we will take our official stand on it. We will be calling a meeting and once we do that officially we will take a call on that. As a president of the party and as an individual it is something that we welcome.”
Former Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said, he has personally empowered women beginning from his home. His wife, Dikkanchi and daughter, Miani D Shira, are legislators.
The Trinamool leader said, the bill was a result of collective pressure and the urgent need for change and hoped to be passed unanimously in the parliament.
Women legislators, Ampareen Lyngdoh and Santa Mary Shylla also welcomed the bill.
Lyngdoh said it is a ‘jubilant’ day for the women of the country. “I look forward for it becoming a law. I hope to see assemblies giving fairer chance to women to participate actively in politics,” the lone woman cabinet minister in the MDA government said.
“We have women in all spheres of work. But unfortunately, some men will have to give way to women and that will be the best thing that we do for this nation and this country,” she said.
On the widely held belief saying women are more emotional than men, Lyngdoh disagreed stating, “There are emotional men thriving in politics too. Let’s not find fault at women under no circumstances because she is calm, poised….We do not easily display emotions unlike most men.”
She also said there are indicators of atrocities against women around the world because men are emotional. “We are not scrutinizing anyone. This is a grand moment don’t underestimate us and we can rise to the occasion and perform efficiently,” she added.
Shylla, who made her maiden entry to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly after defeating heavyweight and sitting Congress MP, Vincent Pala, said, “It is a big opportunity for women and that they should come forward and participate in politics.
“In Meghalaya we have less women representatives. They just need an approach and opportunity else they don’t have any hesitation,” said Shylla.
She said most women are still stuck with that mentality of a “man’s world.” But with the approach adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill should be implemented, she said.
The government will need two-thirds support in each House of Parliament for the women’s reservation bill to be taken up for consideration and passing.
If passed by both Houses of Parliament, and once it is ratified by the state legislatures, it means that Meghalaya, which is a unicameral legislature with a total strength of 60 members, would have to reserve atleast not less than 19 Assembly seats for women.
