No time frame for tabling Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha: Centre

New Delhi: Government today refused to give a time frame for introducing in Parliament the Bill that seeks to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, saying a consensus among parties is needed.

In a written response in Lok Sabha, Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said it is the endeavour of the government to provide reservation on one-third seats to women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.

"The issue involved needs careful consideration on the basis of consensus among all political parties before a bill for amendment in the Constitution is brought before Parliament," he said.

He was asked to specify the steps being taken by the government for arriving at an early decision on the issue.

A similar bill, brought by the erstwhile UPA government, had lapsed following the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha. As per law, any bill pending in Lok Sabha lapses with the dissolution of the House. Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha and pending there are put on the "live register" and remain pending.

In its initial stage the bill was subjected to vehement opposition; however, it finally took a sigh of relief when Rajya Sabha passed it amid ruckus in the Parliament.