Lok Sabha on Tuesday after a debate that continued for over four and half hours passed the bill to provide 10 percent reservation quota to the economically weaker section of the upper caste, or those belonging to general category. The ‘Historic’ bill will be put on a table in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The winter session which was earlier slated to be concluded on Jan 8 Tuesday has been extended by a day in Rajya Sabha. Modi Govt extends Rajya Sabha session till Wednesday to take up reservation quota bill
Lok Sabha passes Constitution (124 Amendment) Bill, 2019. The bill will provide reservation for economically weaker section of the society in higher educational institutions pic.twitter.com/XkAwKYx62R
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019
Despite calling it a Poll Stunt, Poll gimmick, all opposition parties on Tuesday supported the Bill, 323 Lok Sabha members voted in support of the bill and only three voted against it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a series of tweets called it a ‘Landmark Moment’ and thanked Members of Parliament for clearing passage for the Bill.
The passage of The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha is a landmark moment in our nation’s history.
It sets into motion the process to achieve an effective measure that ensures justice for all sections of society.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2019
I thank MPs from all the parties who supported The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha.
I also appreciate those MP colleagues who enriched today’s debate with their views.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2019
BJP chief Amit Shah described the bill as a “gift” to youths from poor families and said it is a lesson for political parties doing appeasement politics for years.
BJP President Amit Shah: It will give great relief to people who have annual income less than Rs. 8 lakhs. Crores of young people will have benefits from this reservation in education & jobs. The reservation of 50% for SC, ST & OBCs remains unaffected due to this decision. pic.twitter.com/wGMmBYSjqE
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019
However, the proposed quota would be over and above the 50 percent reservation cap set by the Supreme Court and already available to SC/ST and other backward castes. However, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaking in Lok Sabha rejected suggestions that the measure may fall foul of a Supreme Court judgment putting a cap of 50 percent and asserted that top Court has put a bar caste-based reservations, while the bill seeks quota for the economically weaker sections in the general category. The major castes to benefit from the proposed law are Brahmins, Rajputs (Thakurs), Jats, Marathas, Bhumihars, several trading castes, Kapus and Kammas among other upper castes.]
Seeking support on the bill, Social Justice Minister Thawarchand Gehlot said, The Modi government’s policy and intention is good and that is why it has enabled the reservation for the poor in the general category.
Sources claimed that Congress is supporting the bill however other opposition parties might create a hurdle for the Bill on Wednesday when it would be tabled in the Upper House, Rajya Sabha.
BSP chief Mayawati said the bill was an “election stunt and political gimmick” ahead of Lok Sabha polls, though her party welcomes the “immature” move by the government.
BSP Chief Mayawati on Tuesday welcomed the reservation announced by the Centre for economically weaker sections of upper caste. However, she called the move a 'political stunt.'
Read @ANI Story| https://t.co/fyIQLLF0yk pic.twitter.com/h7WKBTy9PN
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 8, 2019
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan as quoted by ANI said, ‘I felt good as my children used to ask me ‘what about us, what about economically weak, will only caste matter?’. Many questions were answered today. It’ll be very beneficial in the long run’.
Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on LS passes Constitution (124 Amendment) Bill, 2019: I felt good as my children used to ask me 'what about us, what about economically weak, will only caste matter?'. Many questions were answered today. It'll be very beneficial in the long run. pic.twitter.com/saBTJXxoLC
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed it as ‘Historic’ adding that “Those people who couldn’t get the benefits of reservation till now will be benefited. It had been a demand of people since a long time. This bill has been brought in interest of the nation. I’m assured that it’ll be passed in Rajya Sabha also”
Rajnath Singh: It's a historic bill. Those people who couldn't get the benefits of reservation till now will be benefited. It had been a demand of people since a long time. This bill has been brought in interest of the nation. I'm assured that it'll be passed in Rajya Sabha also pic.twitter.com/S61LobNHHP
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019
The Centre’s move is seen as an attempt to address grievances of the upper castes ahead of 2019 General Elections.
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