The Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017 with amendments.
The bill seeks to create a new commission with constitutional status for the OBCs at par with the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Replying to the discussion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot allayed Members’ concern that the bill will encroach upon the rights of the states. He said, there is no attempt to reduce the rights of states and attack the federal structure.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, B K Hariprasad of the Congress said, the National Commission for Backward Classes should have been given Constitutional status. Bhupender Yadav of the BJP said, the bill provides maximum advantage to backward and neglected classes in the society.
He said, this will provide social justice to the people. He thanked Prime Minister for his efforts to bring the amendment.
Supporting the bill, Ramgopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party expressed concern that casteism has played havoc in the society. He suggested that people belonging to higher income group should not be deprived of their rights on the ground of being creamy layer.
