Bill to grant constitutional status to NCBC to be re-introduced in Lok Sabha

Cabinet has cleared official amendments for reintroduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha in the forthcoming winter session to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, NCBC. Sources said, the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved yesterday the amendments to clear the decks for reintroduction of the bill. Once passed by Parliament, the NCBC will have full powers to safeguard the rights and interests of OBCs.

The proposed 123rd Constitutional Amendment Bill was first introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha. But, the Rajya Sabha passed it with certain amendments in the last session. This resulted in two different versions of the bill being passed by the two houses. Therefore, the bill will now have to be reintroduced in the Lok Sabha.

The Cabinet also approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Italy for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues. Besides, Phyto sanitary issues,



the MoU provides cooperation on a wide range of other sectors including animal husbandry, agricultural research and food processing. It also provides for setting up of a Joint Working Group to promote bilateral exchanges in the field of agriculture, consider long-term initiatives for agricultural cooperation.

The Cabinet has also given its approval for signing and ratification of the Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty (ICFT) between India and Brazil. The Treaty will result in increase of investment flows between the two countries. It will also provide appropriate facilitation to Brazilian investors in India and Indian investors in the Brazil.

The Cabinet also approved transfer of all land assets owned by Hindustan Vegetable Oils Corporation Ltd to Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs or its authorized agency for appropriate utilization and disposal. The land located in seven cities are lying unutilized for many years.