Women's Reservation Bill : Live Updates From Rajya Sabha

Voting underway.

Chairperson Dhankar: The question is - that the bill further to amend the Constitution of India as passed by Lok Sabha be taken into consideration.

Overwhelming number of members say 'aye'; the vice-president clarifies that division voting would have to be conducted -

"Heartening to see entire Upper House is unanimously united. But there's a constitutional prescription to adopt the motion by a majority of total membership of the House, and a two-thirds majority of the total members present and voting."

Bill being considered for voting. Lok Sabha Secretary General explaining the e-voting procedure to the members.

PM Narendra Modi thanks all parties for their bipartisan support.

"All members and political parties have played a significant role in empowering women and enhancing nari shakti. Let us give the country a strong message."

Law Minister Meghwal addresses demands to implement bill immediately before 2024 general elections -

"We want to do this. But there are constitutional procedures to be followed first."

Law Minister: Yehi samay hain, sahi samay hain. Bharat ka anmol samay hain.

This is not only PM Modi's quote, but a principle of life. Amrit kaal, new Parliament building, first bill in this building, that too on women's reservation, and the overwhelming support - therefore, I would like to thank all members.

On issue of reserving seats for women belonging to backward classes, Law Minister -

"How has affection for OBCs arisen now? Congress has historically opposed OBC reservation. But it must have been prompted by political reasons."

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal thanks members of Rajya Sabha for broadly supporting the bill despite their reservations.

VP Dhankar: You are lucky that you have received such support. Koi aakrosh ki gunjaaish nahi hain aisi paristhiti main.

Law Minister: I only want to point out a few things.  

Kharge: Nadda sahab was taunting us about our demand for more OBC representation among govt secretaries. Do you have people from SC, ST communities in principal or joint secretary posts?

Sab RSS ke logon ko waha laake bhar diya hain inhone. Har Minister ke paas ek aadmi betha rehta hain RSS ka.

Kharge: I'm not opposing this bill, but I'm asking why are you not including women of backward classes? Do you want them to fall behind? More than 60% of the country's population belongs to OBCs.

Kharge: This govt must also give a definite date for implementation. Their members have said that they do not lack commitment.

Aagar commitment hain toh aap bataiye kab implement hoga, nahi toh yeh sirf jumla hoga.