Lucknow, April 17 -- Welcoming the Women Reservation Bill tabled in Parliament on Thursday, state BJP president and Union MoS for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary called it a "historic and far-reaching step towards empowerment of half the population." He said the Bill is not merely a means to increase women's political representation, but will give new direction to the country's overall development by ensuring their participation in policy-making and decision-making. He said the opportunities women will get through the Women Reservation Bill will bring wide-ranging positive change in society. He appealed to opposition to support this initiative and cooperate in the campaign for women empowerment. htc...