CM blames Opposition parties
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2013 : Contending that the UPA Government's commitment for 30 percent reservation of women in the parliament and State assemblies remains unsuccessful due to opposition political parties not backing the Congress-led alliances' move for constitutional amendment, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said such defiance will prove costly for opposition parties as there is strong possibility that the people might construe them (opposition) to be anti-poor.

In the two-term tenure of the UPA Government at the Centre a number of proposals were placed before the Parliamentarians to increase the number of women representatives in law-making bodies but the sincere endeavour is yet to materialise for opposition parties have been non-committal in promoting women legislators, said the CM while speaking at the one-day State Level Political Convention of Mahila Congress organised by Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee at Congress Bhavan today.

Okram Ibobi Singh

Reminding that (late) Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ensured 30 percent reservation of women candidates in local bodies such as panchayats, zilla parishads, nagar panchayats, municipal councils and district councils as he was certain that having more women representatives in legislative affairs would accelerate all-round development, Ibobi categorically stated that similar initiative by the UPA Government to provide 30 percent of the Parliament's total seats to women MPs do not have the support of opposition parties.

Affirming that consensus of the Parliamentarians is mandatory for constitutional amendment, he construed continuous defiance by the opposition parties on the latter's concept that Congress party would be in an advantageous position if the women's seat reservation move proves successful.

Similarly, the opposition parties are reluctant to support the Food Security Bill on the ground that popularity of UPA Government will increase further inspite of the fact that UPA's move is to ensure no Indian citizens face food insecurity, Ibobi appealed to Congress legislators to extend all possible assistance in enabling economically unsound families open bank accounts to avail benefits being provided under BPL and Old Age Pension Schemes.

The schemes could be implemented in a judicious manner if the beneficiaries have bank accounts in view of the Centre's policy to implement direct cash transfer system, he explained.

The CM also emphasised on the need to fully understand various programmes being introduced by the Departments of Social Welfare and Health and Family Welfare for the benefit of the womenfolk.

assigning Mahila Congress workers and volunteers with the task of effectively implementing the ban against sale of tobacco items, he suggested that extensive awareness campaigns be carried out in a cordial manner and avoid confrontation at any cost.

In the same way Congress workers need to contribute towards effectively prohibiting sale of liquor so that the Government's endeavour to save the citizens from indulging in substance abuse bears fruit, the CM mooted.

In his brief address, MPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam affirmed that Mahila Congress is an essential and vital component in the Congress party organisation.

Reminding that only when there is socio-economic development of the womenfolk all-round progress in the society would be attainable, he suggested that healthy debates be held amongst the womenfolk on the development projects being launched by both the Congress party and the Government.

The political convention was also attended by Ministers, Congress MLAs and party workers.