Bill to grant constitutional status to NCBC

The Parliament on Monday passed a bill to provide constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), as several members in the Rajya Sabha demanded the Centre to make public the findings of the caste census.

The Upper House adopted the legislation along with the amendments made by the Lok Sabha, by 156 votes to nil.

Over two-third majority of those present voted in favour of the bill, which is a necessity for amending the Constitution.

The Rajya Sabha had earlier passed the bill on July 31 last year, along with an amendment and sent it to the Lower House.

The Lok Sabha had passed the bill last week with alternate amendments as well as a few more changes unanimously with over two-third majority.

During the debate on the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill 2017, several members demanded the caste census be made public and reservation be provided as per the out come of the census.

Replying during a debate on the bill, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said it would help the people from backward classes to fight atrocities against them and ensure quick justice.

He also assured that the NCBC would also not encroach upon the rights of state governments as they would also have their own backward class commissions.

The NCBC would recommend only to the central government regarding inclusion or deletion of a particular caste in the list.

There was demand for a constitutional status to OBC Commission from the 1980s and Parliament had held discussions several times.

It has been discussed by the Standing Committee," Gehlot said and urged the members to pass it expeditiously.