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President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday, 12 January, signed the 124th Constitution Amendment Bill. The bill which provided for 10 percent reservation for general category has now become a law.
The Budget session of Parliament is likely to be held from 31 January to 13 February and the interim Budget is expected to be presented on 1 February, government sources said Wednesday.
The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh deliberated on the dates for the Budget session and the final decision will be announced after the Rajya Sabha is adjourned sine die and the committee recommends prorogation of the Winter session, sources said.
Thereafter the recommendation will be sent to the President.
As the CPI, AAP and the AIADMK staged a walk out, D Raja said, “It's a bill brought in haste by BJP govt keeping an eye on elections. It hasn't been scrutinised properly. I don't think it will stand judicial or social scrutiny in coming days.”
Senior AAP leader S Singh accused the government of “betraying” the savarnas and said, “10 percent reservation has been given to 95 percent of the population with 8 lakh income.”
Singh further said their party boycotted the voting.
Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die late on Wednesday after passing the historic Constitution Amendment Bill to provide 10 percent reservation to economically weaker sections in general category.
The Winter Session, which began on 11 December, witnessed several hours of disruptions on various issues ranging from the Rafale jet controversy, agrarian crisis to the Cauvery river issue.
By passing The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, we pay tributes to the makers of our Constitution and the great freedom fighters, who envisioned an India that is strong and inclusive.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2019
“The Mandal Commission provision of 10 percent reservation for economically weaker category was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. If a nine-judge bench held it unconstitutional, how can you amend the Constitution?”Kapil Sibal, as quoted by ANI
Justifying the timing of the Constitution Amendment Bill, he indicated that the government will take more welfare steps for the people before the elections.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien slammed the government during the discussion on the 10 percent quota Bill, saying it “is a betrayal for the youth, the poor and the aam aadmi (common man)”.
“This Bill is an acknowledgement of guilt (of having not created jobs in the last four-and-a-half years),” O’Brien said, adding that the “government is disrespecting the institution of Parliament, spitting on it.”
During the debate on the quota Bill in the Rajya Sabha, AIADMK leader A Navaneethakrishnan reportedly said the Parliament cannot pass a bill which violates the basic structure of the Constitution.
He also said the Bill is a violation of the fundamental rights of the people of Tamil Nadu. AIADMK members reportedly walked out expressing discontent over the Bill.
Congress MP Anand Sharma, during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha over the 10 percent quota Bill, questioned as to why it took four years for the NDA government to table the bill in Parliament.
He also said that the NDA realised it’s going on a "wrong path" only after its defeat in the recent Assembly elections, and that is why, the Bill was being introduced now.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the Rajya Sabha on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, said that the government is aware of the concerns of the northeastern states. He also said that there were misconceptions being spread regarding the Bill.
“I would like to assure in the House that to preserve the hopes and sentiments of the people of Assam and North East, our government will take necessary steps,” he said.
CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP TK Rangarajan moves an amendment in The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019.
Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm after Opposition leaders protested tabling of the 10 percent quota Bill in the House.
PM Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Solapur said that the passage of 10 percent quota Bill in the Parliament strengthened the idea of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.
“Yesterday late night, a historic Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. By passing the Bill regarding 10 percent reservation being granted to economically weaker section in the general category, our principle of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ has been further strengthened,” he said.
Social Justice Minister Thanwar Chand Gehlot tabled the 10% quota Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm after Opposition leaders protested in the well of the House.
Congress leader Anand Sharma said that the House proceedings were extended without the consent of the Opposition.
“The way the House proceedings were extended without the consent of the opposition parties was not right. The situation now is such that there is no dialogue between the Opposition and the government. The government is foremost responsible if the House doesn't function,” he said.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley defended the extension of the Parliament session saying that important bills were left to be passed as the House stood adjourned for most of the days.
“The country expects the House to function. As per normal working days, we should have been working. On most of the days, the House stood adjourned. There is one extra day to consider legislations,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha resumes for the last day amid ruckus created by the Opposition over extension of the session by a day.
Union Minister Vijay Goel said that the Parliament session was extended by a day as important bills were left to be passed.
“The government wants to extend the functioning of the House by a day as there are important bills to be passed,” he told the House.
A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is scheduled to be held today.
Opposition parties are likely to question the Narendra Modi government on Wednesday in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling block lacks majority, over the timing of the general category reservation Bill and have asked all their members to be present in full strength, sources told PTI.
While virtually all parties supported the passage of the Bill that provides 10 percent quota for the general category poor in jobs and education in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the sources said they are likely to take a tougher stand in the Rajya Sabha on the basis of their sheer numbers.
The sources said while the Congress is supporting the Bill, other opposition parties may create hurdle in its passage.
Samajwadi Party also extended its support to the proposed 10 percent legislation for poor among general category, but demanded that reservation for OBCs should be raised, who constitute 56 percent of the total population, reported PTI.
BSP chief Mayawati described it an “election stunt and political gimmick” ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. She, however, welcomed the “immature” move by the government.
"BSP's demand to provide reservation to the economically backward sections in general category is approved by the Cabinet in an immature way and without preparation. Our party, however, welcomes the decision though it appears to be an election stunt and political gimmick of the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha polls," she said in a statement.
"It would have been better had the BJP taken the decision much earlier. The government is now on its way out," she claimed.
मोदी जी,
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 8, 2019
गरीबों के लिए आरक्षण का कांग्रेस समर्थन व सहयोग करेगी।
मगर बग़ैर नौकरियां पैदा किये,
नौकरियों में आरक्षण का लाभ भला किसे और कैसे होगा ?
देखिये :- pic.twitter.com/xCKiRIvdQ5
BJP’s ally LJP supremo Ram Vilas Paswan said this is in line with the Modi government's philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.
“Now situation has changed in the society, there are poor among people from upper caste they should get reservation,” he said.
हर वर्ग की आकांक्षाओं को करती साकार...मोदी सरकार
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 8, 2019
देश के आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग को आरक्षण देने वाला ऐतिहासिक संविधान संशोधन बिल लोक सभा में पारित होने पर प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी और सभी सहयोगियों का ह्रदय से अभिनंदन।
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2019
It sets into motion the process to achieve an effective measure that ensures justice for all sections of society.
“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 the interest of the nation. I’m assured that it’ll be passed in Rajya Sabha also.”Rajnath Singh, as quoted by ANI
A landmark Bill seeking to provide 10 percent reservation in jobs and education for the general category poor was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, 8 January, with most parties backing the measure, described by the government as "historic" and in the country's interest.
As many as 323 members voted in support of Bill and only three voted against.
Social Justice Minister Thaavarchand Gehlot sought to allay doubts raised by several Opposition members about the legislation's fate if challenged in the Supreme Court, saying he can say with confidence that the apex court will accept it, reported PTI.
“I stand to oppose this Bill. This bill is a fraud on the Constitution. It’s an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar...Have the savarnas ever faced untouchability...? This will be struck down by the courts. “Asaduddin Owaisi
AAP MP Bhagwant Mann lashed out at the Modi government during the discussion on the 10 percent quota Bill, saying, "At first glance, it's an electoral stunt... This is a jumla of Bharatiya Jumla Party. This Bill was brought to the table on the last day of the session and not the first day."
Just checked the Rajya Sabha website. This government has lost its marbles! Jan 9 House in Session? Not according to the RS site #Parliament https://t.co/wUiGWk49RW pic.twitter.com/j0c2n7rZ5t
— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) January 8, 2019
Expressing his support for the 10 percent quota Bill, Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan said, "This bill is a big step in the direction of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas.'"
The BJP ally made a pitch for creation of Indian Judicial Services and also sought reservation in the private sector, reported PTI.
Paswan said Indian Judicial Services should be constituted so that there is transparency and people from any religion or caste could get a place in the judiciary.
There should also be reservation in the private sector, he said, adding this should be added in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.
Both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi and the Shiv Sena have voiced their support for the 10 percent quota Bill in the Lok Sabha.
Speaking on the 10 percent quota Bill in the Lok Sabha, AIADMK leader M Thambidurai said, "Have government schemes for the poor failed? There are enough schemes. This reservation bill which you are bringing will be struck down by the Supreme Court."
Meanwhile, TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay asserted, "Why does the Government not take up the women reservation Bill with the same priority as this quota bill? This bill is not only about jobs, but also about misleading with false hopes the youth of the country. The bill is about promising and not delivering."
“This reservation Bill ensures ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. It is a move for equality, will enable social upliftment.”Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha, as quoted by ANI
“We support this quota bill, we are not against this, but the way it is being brought raises questions on your sincerity. My request is to send this to JPC first.”Congress leader KV Thomas
The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has been passed in the Lok Sabha after debate.
The Home Minister also reportedly asserted that the "bill is not Assam-specific", but applies to all of India.
The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 3:30 pm after uproar by Samajwadi Party members over CBI probe on its members.
The Congress party walked out of Lok Sabha during debate over the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.
“We are committed toward NRC. There will be no discrimination in NRC. All the necessary steps will be taken to deal with illegal migrants.”Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister
JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda extended supporto the Centre's move towards providing a 10 percent quota in government jobs and education for the "economically weaker" sections.
"Janata Dal (Secular) supports the 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections of the upper castes," he said in a tweet.
Women representation in the CRPF and CISF will be made 15 percent while it will be five per cent in BSF, ITBP and SSB, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Tuesday.
Rijiju said in Lok Sabha that the central government has been working for enhancement of women representation in the constabulary of paramilitary forces.
The bill for 10 percent reservation for economically weaker upper sections in jobs and education was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday as Samajwadi Party members were protesting CBI action against former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, reported PTI.
The BJP has issued a whip to its MPs, asking them to be present in Parliament on Tuesday, 8 January, as it seeks to push for the passage of a bill providing 10 percent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections in the general category.
The bill is likely to be tabled in the Lok Sabha and the support of two-thirds of members is necessary for its passage.
The Congress had on Saturday issued a whip to its MPs, asking them to be present in Parliament on Monday and Tuesday.
In a major move ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Union Cabinet Monday cleared a 10 percent job and education quota for "economically weaker" sections, meeting a key demand of upper castes, a staunch BJP support base which has shown signs of drifting away from the party.
The proposed reservation will be over and above the existing 50 percent reservation enjoyed by the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes, taking the total reservation to 60 percent.
The constitutional amendment bill would be required as the constitution does not provide for reservation on the ground of economic conditions. It envisages amendment to Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution.
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