New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m., on Thursday after members of some opposition parties trooped near the Chairman's podium raking up issues of concern from their states.
Soon after the House met for the day, Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu extended his greetings to women across the country on the occasion of International Women's Day and provided opportunity to female and male members of the House to speak on the issues concerning women.
Senior Congress member Ambika Soni urged the House to pass a resolution on the occasion to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in parliament and legislative assemblies.
Her demand was supported by fellow women members including Renuka Chowdhury, Kumari Shailja, Rajni Patil and K. Kanimozhi.
Speaking on the occasion, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj mentioned about achievements of women in different fields and urged the members and countryman to take resolution for women safety and providing justice to them.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad supported the long pending demand of women reservation bill and sought stringent action against those who rape young girls.
Speaking for the government, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said that Modi government has taken up many programmes for women empowerment and was committed to it.
He, however, did not give any assurance on Women Reservation Bill.
Chairman Naidu expressed hope that the government will respect the sentiments of the House and take care of the unfulfilled agendas of women empowerment.
As soon the debate concluded, members from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu rushed towards the Chairman's podium.
Sensing the situation, Naidu adjourned the House till 2 p.m.
