Gandhi, who initiated the debate on bill, said in Lok Sabha that delay in bringing the reservation into effect is “gross injustice” to Indian women.

The Congress Parliamentary chief said apart from the immediate passage of ‘Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023’, the government should also give reservation to SC, ST and OBC women following a caste census.

She said that now was the “most appropriate moment” to acknowledge and thank women for their contribution and highlighted that passage and implementation of the bill is necessary.

The Women’s Reservation Bill was moved for consideration and passage in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. It was the first bill introduced in the new Parliament building.

The bill provides 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies and it will only come into effect after completion of census and delimitation exercise.