New Delhi:
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Women's Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the bill "is a historic and giant step towards empowering women and a celebration of their rights."
He added, "Women are facing discrimination at home, there's domestic violence, unequal access to health and education. This has to end."
Manmohan Singh congratulated the Opposition for supporting the Bill.
The Prime Minister also apologised to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Hamid Ansari, for the unruly behaviour on Monday of MPs from parties opposed to the bill. They had grabbed mics, and torn up copies of the bill which they threw at Ansari. Seven MPs were suspended on Tuesday for this, but said they are not sorry. (
Read: 7 suspended MPs not sorry, critical of eviction)