Lok Sabha passes 10% quota bill, Rajya Sabha test today

January 8: Lok Sabha today passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically backward section in the general category. The bill was passed with 323 votes in favour and 03 against the bill. Calling it a landmark moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “it sets into motion the process to achieve an effective measure that ensures justice for all sections of society.” The bill will be taken up by the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. This is the first time that economic status would entitle a person to reservation benefit at a national level.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot has tabled the bill for 10 percent reservation for economically weaker sections of upper castes in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. In the four-and-half-hour debate that ensued, most backed the bill. Nearly 30 members participated in the debate, mostly in support of the bill that has been described by BJP leaders as a ‘masterstroke’ and a ‘game-changer’.

Among the opposition parties, the Samajwadi Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Trinamool Congress, the Left and the Congress said they would support the bill. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM said they opposed the bill. So did Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK, which walked out of the house ahead of the voting. The Congress said it would prefer a parliamentary committee to look into the matter.

A constitution amendment (One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Amendment) bill has to be passed with two-thirds majority in each house. Because the constitution does not provide for reservation on the ground of economic conditions, an amendment is required.

Are you eligible:

• For those who earn less than Rs 8 lakh annually.
• For those who have agriculture land below five acres.
• For those who avail the quota, a residential house should be below 1,000 square feet.
• The residential plot should be below 109 yards in a notified municipality.
• The residential plot should be below 209 yards in a non-notified municipality area