By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 19: Ampareen Lyngdoh, Meghalaya’s lone woman minister, has welcomed the women’s reservation bill which guarantees a 33% quota for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies toward empowering women.
Reacting to the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve the women’s quota bill, she said the question now is how quickly the bill would be implemented.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cabinet colleagues for the initiative on Tuesday, she said the bill would mean 23 male politicians will have to relinquish their seats to honour this legislation.
Lyngdoh said it is time for women to start gearing up to be among the 23 to sit in the 60-member House and debate important issues of the state to ensure a better tomorrow. She, however, said she has yet to study the content of the bill.
The minister rejected theories that women are not ready for the Assembly, an inference drawn from the very few women who contested the last state polls.
“Believe me, there are enough women who will rise to the occasion if this historic legislation is brought in. One must remember, every candidate in Meghalaya wins because of women’s support,” she said.
Lyngdoh admitted it is not easy for women to compete against men but designated constituencies for women would make a difference because “women are leaders naturally” with an inborn ability to multitask.
She felt the state government should ratify the bill for women in Meghalaya to be given their due.
When pointed out that women in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills are still fighting to be part of traditional institutions such as Dorbar Shnong, she said there should not be any confusion between customary practices and politics.
“Customary practices are different from politics. I do not wish to see my customary practices change,” she said while pointing out that many Dorbars have women in their executive bodies today.
She also said women in Meghalaya have a greater degree of independence than their counterparts elsewhere.
“Children inherit our lineage in our matrilineal community. Women are strong leaders in their homes and in their community,” she added.
Emphasising the cultural significance of the women’s reservation bill, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “As an individual who believes in women’s empowerment, I welcome this bill. I am sure this will strengthen Parliament and the assemblies.”
He said the PM moved ahead with the bill for creating space for women by making men ineligible for contesting certain constituencies. “That’s the whole purpose of reservation,” he said.
Former CM, Mukul Sangma said the bill was long overdue. “This proposed bill is an outcome of persistent and collective pressure from all groups of people. It is also in line with what is required in a nation,” he said.
