India women\'s bill sparks protests

The Indian government has reintroduced a bill, which would reserve a third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women.



The bill was first proposed in 1996 but never passed.



At present women make up just 10 per cent of the lower house of parliament, and significantly less in state assemblies.



Smaller socialist parties argue the bill will reduce representation of minorities and socially disadvantaged groups.



They want set quotas for women from Muslim and low-caste communities.



Nonetheless analysts expect the bill, which was presented on International Women\'s Day, to be passed after 14 years of deadlock.



India already reserves a third of local governing council seats in towns and villages for women, a move that is said to have significantly increased their role in decision-making.