The Lok Sabha passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill with over two-thirds majority on Thursday.
All 406 members present in the House voted in favour of the Bill, which seeks to grant constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
ALSO READ: It’s an English Wrap: India dismissed for 274, Kohli slams 149
According to the debate in Lok Sabha, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said, “the Narendra Modi Government is dedicated for the poor, backward and the downtrodden”.
यह हमारा दृढ़ संकल्प था की ओबीसी कमिशन को संवैधानिक दर्जा देने का कार्य करेंगे। उसको पूरा करने के लिए आज लोकसभा में पुनः बिल लाकर पिछड़े वर्गों का सशक्तिकरण करने को संकल्पित हैं। इसके अलावा देश में धूमंतु जातियों की चिंता करते हुए हमने घूमंतु जाती आयोग भी बनाया। pic.twitter.com/UTJVipNoa7
— Dr. Thawarchand Gehlot (@TCGEHLOT) August 2, 2018
Gehlot expressed hope that the Rajya Sabha will also pass the bill next week. “All benefits given to the SCs and STs like the scholarship will also be extended to the backward classes. The recommendations of Justice Rohini Commission will be tabled in the House once it is submitted. The government is trying to bring back reservation in Jamia Milia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University,” added Gehlot.
ALSO READ: Ballistic Missile Interceptor successfully tested
Earlier, the Union Cabinet had 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.