If all goes according to announcements, the centenary of International Women's Day would be a red-letter day for women's empowerment in India. The government seems prepared to pass the bill that reserve 33% seats for women on 8th March to mark International Women's Day as a great day for Indian Women. Though, the Mandal outfits - SP, JD(U), RJD - along with BSP are opposing the bill on the ground that it doesn't provide separate quota for OBC women. But since, the Congress, BJP and Left are determined not to let OBC resistance come in the way of the landmark legislation, the bill is set to pass on 8th March. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi definitely wants her government to accomplish the task on Monday. Speaking to members of Congress Parliamentary Party, she said "I personally attach the highest importance to the women's bill. So many years have passed since Rajiv ji first unveiled his vision of empowering us women. It is a matter of pride that even though it has taken so long, it is our government that has cleared the legislation in Cabinet. This year, on March 8, is centenary of International Women's Day. What a gift to the women of India if on this important day this historic legislation is introduced and passed." BJP is also in support of swift passage of the bill, while CPM in the Rajya Sabha business advisory committee argued the bill be put to vote straightaway since it had been discussed ad nauseum over 15 years. Support is flowing on its own. There are some parties which are not part of either UPA or NDA but have pledged their support to the legislation. These parties include BJD, AIADMK, TDP and AGP. Going by their track record, Mandal outfits can use obstructionist tactics to stop the legislation from being passed. RJD boss Lalu Prasad said that a women's quota bill without an OBC sub-quota was not acceptable. His position was endorsed by SP's Ramgopal Yadav. JD(U)'s Sharad Yadav also stressed that the bill must be backed by an all-party consensus. Attempts were made earlier also but bill was not passed because of opposition of mentioned parties. But this time scene is different. Opposing parties have lost their strength and vigour. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was the first to introduce 50% gender quota for panchayats.
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