Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi regarding one-third reservation for women in Parliament, state legislatures

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures.

The letter reads, “I assure full support of my Government in providing women their rightful place in the decision-making process.” “Mahatma Gandhi always spoke of gender equality and empowerment of women in society. Taking a historic decision to empower women in our country would be the finest tribute to the Father of the Nation on his 150th Birth Anniversary,” CM Naveen Patnaik wrote.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Narendra Modi regarding one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. The letter further reads,"I assure full support of my Government in providing women their rightful place in the decision making process." pic.twitter.com/TdTI9NtLtu

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2018

Earlier on November 21, the Odisha Assembly unanimously passed a resolution seeking 33 percent reservation for women in legislative assemblies and Parliament. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, was passed by a voice vote after a debate in the House. While moving the resolution, Patnaik had termed the proposal as “historic”. The members of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), opposition Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supported the resolution.

It is to be noted that the resolution was passed ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 11. The Women’s Reservation Bill is pending in the parliament. Currently, the 147-member state assembly has 12 women MLAs.

Also Read: Did Naveen Patnaik turn the tables on opposition?