From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI: A delegation of women parliamentarians from Nepal called on Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in Parliament Library Building on Monday.
Welcoming the all-women delegation, Meira Kumar said that India and Nepal are brothers and have emotional ties since time immemorial. Both the countries have time and again taken effective steps to strengthen the friendly relationship and there is a consensus among the people of India and Nepal to have close friendly relations between the two countries. She also said that the common people, especially women, should be given the credit for sustaining and strengthening the democracy in the region.
Referring to recent initiatives in consolidating the relationship, Kumar said that the bilateral trade and commerce between the two countries have increased manifold.
She hoped that Nepal would tread the path of progress and achieve all goals that the Constituent Assembly in that country has finalized for the welfare of the Nepalese people.
She wished all the best to the people and Parliament of Nepal in their endeavour of redrafting of the Constitution, peace process and upholding multi-party democracy.
Appreciating Nepal for allowing 33 per cent reservation for Women in the interim constitution, Meira Kumar said that there are efforts to build a consensus among all parties in India also for securing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures.
However, there is 50 per cent reservation for women in local self governments and 12 lakh elected representatives are serving these local bodies, she observed.
In response, the visiting delegation thanked the Lok Sabha Speaker for her inspiring leadership and for being a role model to many of the Women Parliamentarians of Nepal.
They also extended an invitation to the Lok Sabha Speaker to visit Nepal.