Padma Shri awardee and 102-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, Libia Lobo Sardesai expressed disappointment over the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill. Sardesai welcomed the legislation but criticized the prolonged wait of 27 years for its execution, with an additional projected delay of three more years.
She emphasized that despite comprising 50% of the population, women are limited to a 33% reservation, highlighting the need for timely implementation. Sardesai questioned the necessity of waiting for the Census and Delimitation processes, labeling the delay as unjustified and unnecessary.
Regarding the intent behind the Bill, Sardesai criticized it as an electoral tactic rather than a genuine effort for women’s welfare. She raised concerns about the extended timeline for women to gain representation and criticized the imposition of conditions like Delimitation and the Census solely on women.
Sardesai also criticized political parties for using the Bill as a tool for electoral gains, pointing out the lack of seriousness from both the Congress and the BJP. She stressed the urgency of enforcing the Bill without further delays, advocating for its immediate implementation without any additional conditions.
