Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Choudhury stressed on the 33 per cent reservation for women in the parliament and in state legislatures.

Ms Choudhury said that it has been 60 years since India got independence but the country is still addressing the issue of women being on par with men.

Though certain sections of society feel that there is no need for the reservation, the contribution of women in the
politics and decision making has been less, she added.

“Only eight per cent of women are in politics. And, about 50 per cent of the population, mainly comprising women are left out during decision making. There can’t be equality if half of the population’s opinion is not taken,” she said.

When opinion is taken from both the parties, it would be balanced otherwise it would result in irregularities in the system. 

Moreover, 33 per cent of the reservation is limited only for three Lok Sabha terms i.e., for 15 years, she added.
“Reservation is a wrong word. Instead entry point can be used. If an entry point is given, women will be on par with the men,” the minister said.

Foeticide
Referring to female foeticide, Ms Chudhury said this kind of practice is more among the educated class. “There is a huge difference in sex ratio in places like Punjab and Haryana, where the ratio is 750 female for 1000 male,” she said.