ALL INDIA MUSLIM
MAJLIS-e-MUSHAWARAT
AIMMM Demands Separate Quota for OBC and Muslim Women
Alternatively AIMMM Supports CEC’s Proposal for
Statutory Mandate to Parties to Field 1/3 Women Candidates
New Delhi, 7 August, 2003: Shri Syed Shahabuddin, President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), has issued the following Statement:
"The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) has taken note of various alternatives under consideration for reservation in legislatures for women as envisaged in the draft Bill.
The AIMMM has considered the proposal of the BJP to increase the size of the legislatures by 1/3 and introduce that many double member constituencies, reserving one in each for women and has come to the conclusion that this arrangement is a trap which will adversely affect the quality of representation of women as a similar arrangement did for the SC’s.
The AIMMM has taken note of the deep apprehension among the Muslims that under-represented as they are in the legislatures, their representation will fall further, if 1/3 seats are reserved for women. It is firmly of the view that any scheme of reservation should provide proportionate quotas for the OBC’s and the Muslims, so that the entire quota is not swallowed by the advanced groups.
The AIMMM is, on the whole, inclined to accept the suggestion of the Election Commission that every political party be statutorily required to field women candidates at least to the extent of 1/3 of its list. Though this will not raise the level of representation of women to 1/3, it shall definitely be a step forward. Above all, it shall not pose the problem of rotation which cuts at the very root of the linkage between a constituency and its representative."
Sd/- Syed Shahabuddin
ALL INDIA MUSLIM
MAJLIS-e-MUSHAWARAT
N-44, Abul Fazal Enclave, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi - 110 025 Phone: 2632
6780 Fax: 2632 7346 Email:
muslim@del3.vsnl.net.in q
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