Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu bats for adequate representation of women in legislature

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday pitched for adequate reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures and urged all political parties to arrive at an early consensus on issue.

He said country's progress will be hampered if women are t empowered politically. Naidu also expressed concern over reports of neglect and abuse of elderly, saying "completely unacceptable trend" must be checked and ted that it is sacred duty of children to take care of d members of ir families.

"We must also ensure adequate reservation for women in Parliament and all state legislatures and I urge all political parties to arrive at a consensus at earliest on this important issue.

An official statement said vice president observed that it was "unfortunate" that proposal was pending for a long time.

He made se remarks while releasing reports on 'Status of Sex Ratio at Birth in India', and 'Elderly Population in India: Status and Support Systems', brought out by Indian Association of Parliamentarians for Population and Development.

A bill to provide for reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies was passed by Rajya Sabha but lapsed after dissolution of 15th Lok Sabha in 2014.

Addressing virtual event, Naidu said districts with larger imbalances in sex ratios should receive greater attention from elected representatives.

vice president called for strict implementation of laws banning female foeticide and dowry, while ensuring free and compulsory education for all girl children. He said that women must be given an equal share in property so that y are ecomically empowered.

vice president stressed need for greater attention from public representatives, policy planners, political parties and or important stakeholders on eradicating poverty, illiteracy and social evils such as discrimination.

He also wanted all state governments to pay greater attention to se issues. Naidu also called for moral education in schools so that children grow up to be responsible and sensitive citizens who view discrimination as immoral, statement said.

He also batted for equipping elderly population with "new " skills so y can lead fuller professional lives and keep contributing to nation building.  Naidu said it must be remembered that if young are 'demographic dividend', seniors are 'demographic bonus' for nation.

vice president underscored need to reorient health system to address specific needs of elderly by providing medical benefits and ensuring insurance cover.

Calling for revival of India's -old joint family system, he said that our family system must serve as a model for or countries to emulate.

(Photo Credit: PTI)