'DIFFERENCES ON WOMEN'S BILL TO BE SORTED OUT'

APRIL 8, 2004 – (Times of India) Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday expressed confidence that differences over the Women's Reservation Bill will be sorted out to pave way for securing its approval in Parliament.

The NDA was in favour of the Bill but there were certain differences on the issue of percentage of reservation, he said at a press conference after releasing the NDA manifesto.

He said the NDA was prepared to even consider reduction in the earlier proposed 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State assemblies but this was not acceptable to certain parties.

The Prime Minister said he was confident that these differences would be resolved and the Bill will become a reality.

Asked about opposition to the Bill by Shiv Sena, a close ally of BJP, he said when the Bill is brought forward, one will know the stands of various parties.

"On our part, we will strive for unanimity. But, if there is some opposition, we will go ahead and secure its passage," he said.

He was asked about the NDA pledge in its manifesto of bringing the Bill in the first session of Parliament after the elections and whether it could be passed in the light of stiff opposition from various quarters.

From: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/606588.cms