Maharashtra Legislative Assembly tonight passed a landmark Bill that provides 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayats, Zilla Parishads, municipal corporations and councils in the state.
Amendment to the Bombay Village Panchayats Act, 1958 and Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samiti Act, 1961 facilitates enhancing reservation from one third of the total seats to 50 per cent in the local bodies.
The Bill was passed unanimously after a debate during which members cutting across parties supported the legislation.
Rural development minister Jayant Patil said six to seven states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, have already passed the Bill increasing women's quota to 50 per cent. He described the Bill as a step towards's women's empowerment.
At present, there are 13,060 Panchayat Samiti women members and their number will go up to 19,161 once the Bill comes into force. Similarly, at per cent there are 653 Zilla Parishad members and their strength will go up to 981.
The passage of the Bill comes a few months ahead of the crucial elections to Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, municipal councils and corporations. These elections will be held between October and March in 2012.