Over 33% Panchayat Reservation For Women In J&K: BJP

Vijaya Rahatkar, BJP Mahila Morcha chief, has said her party would try to give women more than 33 per cent reservation at the panchayat level in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahatkar said her party supports women's empowerment and it would take this step in the near future.

J&K Panchayat polls to be held soon

Rahatkar is in Jammu on a two-day visit. She had door-to-door interactions with women beneficiaries of central government-sponsored schemes' in Gangyal. “We have highest women members in Parliament and civic bodies. J&K has 33 per cent reservation for women in panchayat polls but we will try to give more as we are doing across the country,” she said on Tuesday.

Some states, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, already follow 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayat. Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held between November 8 and December 4. The state has not held these polls since 2011.

The state will hold polls for urban bodies between October 1 and 5. She also expressed confidence about the BJP returning to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. “Centrally-sponsored schemes' beneficiaries are standing with us after noticing a change in their lives,” she said.

'Focus on empowering women'

She told the reporters about the Mahila Morchas, strengthened across the country, and how 10 women are involved in every booth. These women are reaching out to people and educating them about schemes and steps the government is taking for their welfare. “The government has taken various measures for the safety of women by amending the POCSO Act and it will have a positive impact in the near future,” she added.

Responding to a question on the rising increase in fuel prices, she requested people to have patience. Rahatkar claimed they are trying their best and building the infrastructure. She asked people to be patient in order to access all benefits in the near future.

Meanwhile, The National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party has announced they will boycott polls unless the BJP central government clarifies its stand in the Supreme Court, on the legal challenge to the Constitution’s Article 35A, which gives special rights and privileges to the residents of the state.

Also Read: Why We Must Have The Women’s Reservation Bill Passed

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