Vice President's wife unhappy over Women's Reservation Bill

AGRA, UTTAR PRADESH: Vice President Hamid Ansari's wife, Salma Ansari, has expressed unhappiness over the Women's Reservation Bill, saying it would not help women of the backward classes.

Speaking to reporters after addressing a function in Agra, she said the Bill would help only a section of women.

"I have a problem with this bill. The government comes up with a lot of schemes and many projects, but how many women take advantage of them. Till women themselves are not aware and are not educated and do not stand on their own feet, no matter how many bills are passed it will not really help them," said Salma Ansari.

"Some people will definitely benefit but till the time women from the grass-root are not aware, till that time it will not be of much help. Only education of the women can help achieve the objectives of the bill," she added.

The controversial yet historic Women's Reservation Bill seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and in state legislative bodies.