BJD backs move
The Biju Janata Dal Tuesday supported the constitution’s 124th amendment bill, 2019 passed in the Lok Sabha to provide 10 per cent reservation to the economically weaker sections of society. Speaking on behalf of the party, BJD parliamentary party leader Bhartruhari Mahtab
said this is the first time the economically weaker sections of society are being provided the benefits through affirmative action. It needs to be supported fully.
New Delhi: A landmark bill seeking to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the general category poor was passed by the Lok Sabha Tuesday, 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 the bill and only three voted against, underlining the cross-party support the politically crucial bill elicited. Replying to an over four-and-half hours debate, 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.
The Modi government’s policy and intention is good and that is why it has enabled the reservation for the poor in the general category with constitutional amendment, he said, seeking support of all parties for the passage of the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019. “Your doubts are unfounded. Put them to rest,” he told opposition members, many of whom dubbed the bill as “jumla” and “gimmick”, questioned its legal standing.