Nitish Kumar: I have been in support of women’s reservation

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted that he was in support of women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies though there must be provisions for adequate representation of SCs, STs, OBCs and EBCs.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, he urged the Centre to move fast on implementing the proposals in the women's reservation bill by conducting the census, and consider his long-standing demand for a caste census.

"I have been in support of women’s reservation. Why should they not be assured representation? My speeches during the days I was a member of parliament bear testimony to my stand that remains unchanged," said Kumar.

"We have ensured adequate representation of women wherever it is possible. In panchayats, urban local bodies, government jobs, including the police force, the representation of women in Bihar is highest for any state in the country," he added.

Kumar said it must also be ensured that there is a provision for ensuring that women from SCs, STs, OBCs and EBCs get adequate representation.

"It is, though, regrettable that even if the bill is passed, actual implementation shall hang fire till census, followed by delimitation," he said.