Constitution (123rd amendment) Bill passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha yesterday passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill with over two-third majority.

The Bill was passed superseding the amendments by the Rajya Sabha which seeks to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). All 406 members present in the House voted in favour of it. 

Replying to a debate on the Bill, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said, the Narendra Modi Government is dedicated for the poor, backward and the downtrodden. 

He said, all benefits given to the SCs and STs like the scholarship will also be extended to the backward classes. He expressed hope that the Rajya Sabha will also pass the bill next week. 

Mr Gehlot said, the recommendations of Justice Rohini Commission will be



tabled in the House once it is submitted. He said, the government is trying to bring back reservation in Jamia Milia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University. 

He also spoke about schemes launched by the Government for the benefits of the backward classes. He said, Ministry is also awaiting the report of the Commission on Denotified and Nomadic Tribes which is preparing a State-wise list of castes belonging to Denotified and Nomadic Tribes and suggest appropriate measures. 

The Union Cabinet had yesterday decided to amend the SC,ST Act to further strengthen the law to protect their rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present during the voting, congratulated Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot for successfully piloting the bill.