New Delhi, March 9 (IANS) Law Minister Veerappa Moily Tuesday said by passing of the historic Women’s Reservation Bill providing 33 percent representation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies “we are paying a debt to our mothers”.
The apprehensions expressed by some MPs on the quota would be addressed, the law minister assured the house.

“Today is a historical day because all of us are paying a debt to our mothers. This is the greatest day, the necessity for such legislation is apparent,” Moily told the Rajya Sabha while replying to the debate in which 27 speakers participated.

“That is why today the time has come to act and act boldly and with a clear vision. The momentous day like this will not come so easily.”

Moily said misgivings expressed by MPs both inside and outside the house would be looked into.

“I need to clarify after the passing of this constitutional bill, there will be a law that will be passed by parliament which will look into the determination and decision on quotas,” said Moily.

“Determination of the seats and also the reservation will be addressed by a separate law just as like we did for the Delimitation Act. We will look into those matters.”

Regretting the continuous disruptions in the Rajya Sabha for two days that even saw the suspension of seven MPs for their unruly behaviour, Moily praised Chairman Hamid Ansari for his patience and steadfastness.

“Whatever happened yesterday or today, the tolerance and resilence and also the great will power demonstrated by our chairman was unprecedented,” he said.

“He is now witnessing today this kind of convergence of unity in diversity.”

“Today we have an opportunity to demonstrate to the world that when it comes to progressive measures, our country will not fall back or look back and that is the great step we have taken today.”