Government serious about women's quota bill: Bansal

"Every business that the government charters upon it is serious," Bansal said in response to a question. The minister was talking to the press after announcing the new schedule for the parliament's monsoon session.

"The government's seriousness on the issue showed when it got it (the bill) into Rajya Sabha and also took a little unpleasant dose to see that it is passed," he said, adding that “it is our concern and our endeavour to bring everyone and every party on board to see that the bill is passed".

The monsoon session, which is now to begin Aug 1, is likely to see the bill being tabled in the Lok Sabha.  The bill, which will reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state assemblies, was passed in the Rajya Sabha March 8, 2010.

It was opposed by parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, and Janata Dal-United. Marshals had to be called in to evict some protesting members. Also opposing the bill, Bahujan Samaj Party chose to walk out before the voting was held.