The Hindu 30.04.2010
Councillors extend support to 50 per cent quota for women
Staff Reporter
—Photo: M. Karunakaran
Women councillors at the Corporation Council meeting on Thursday.
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation Council on Thursday adopted a resolution supporting the need for implementation of 50 per cent reservation for women.
Mayor M. Subramanian said that the recommendation would be sent to the government for consideration.
The resolution was adopted in response to the letter of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, urging the civic body to give its opinion on reservation for women.
Provisions have been already made in the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act 1919 for 33 per cent reservation for women in the council. Various councillors stressed the need for appropriate action on the proposed increase in the reservation for women from 33 to 50 per cent.
Councillor R. Santhibai of Shenoy Nagar welcomed the resolution of the council and said that 33 per cent reservation was not enough for women. D. Lakshmi, councillor of ward 10 Kumarasamy Nagar south, said that the resolution increased enthusiasm among women councillors.
The proposed increase would contribute towards more freedom for women and give them more confidence, she added. “We are playing a significant role at home. Now more women would have to work for society,” said Ms. Lakshmi.
R. Hemavathi, councillor of Siruvalloor, said that 33 per cent reservation had given women more inclination to join politics. If the reservation is increased to 50 per cent, more women would get motivation and start working for the people at grassroots level, she said.
