New Delhi: While the UP Assembly Monsoon Session begins on Monday, it has decided to devote a day’s proceedings exclusively for women legislators.
Launching a one-of-its kind move, the UP Assembly has reserved September 22 – for women legislators who could speak in the House ‘freely’ and can raise women-centric issues. The arrangement will be applicable fo women members of both Legislative Assembly & Legislative Council.
This was disclosed to media by UP Speaker Satish Mahana, who said that that after the Question Hour, the entire day will be reserved for discussion by women MLAs.
The move also comes in the backdrop of recent Lakhimpuri Kheri rape & murder of Dalit sisters, leaving the entire nation shell-shocked. Opposition is likely to corner the government strongly, as the 5-day Assembly convenes on Monday.
This is for the first time that such a practice has been adopted in UP and probably across the country.
Presently, there are 47 women legislators in the 403 member Assembly, out of which 22 have been elected to the House for the first time.
How the ‘special day’ came into being
How the ‘special day’ came into beingThe decision to allot a day entirely for women legislators apparently came on back of latter getting ‘hesitant & uncomfortable’ in the male-dominated House.
Those in the know of matter said that Speaker Satish Mahan while interacting with women MLAs was impressed upon about their discomfort. A brainstorming session followed and this idea germinated for enabling them to build ‘good rapport’ with male counterparts and in turn increase the productivity of the House.
“When I met women MLAs & heard their issues, I got to know that some of them became uncomfortable when male members started speaking in the House. I had then assured them that a day will be set aside when they could speak out without any inhibitions.” Mahana said.
