Govt tables Citizenship Bill & quota Bill in Lok Sabha, TMC & Congress has walked out

January 8: 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. Lok Sabha needs to pass the bill with a two-thirds majority as it requires constitutional amendment. Discussion on the bill is likely to happen in the afternoon.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, related to government’s 10 percent quota for economically backward sections of upper castes decision, has now been officially listed in Lok Sabha’s supplementary list of business. If passed in the Lok Sabha, the Bill will be moved in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The winter session has been extended by a day for members in the Upper House. Following this, it will have to be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures. It will also have to face legal challenges if any.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has introcuded the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 as reported by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Both Trinamool Congress and Congress has walked out of the Lok Sabha over The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The Lok Sabha continues to debate The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

On the other hand, there was ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over CBI probe into Samajwadi Party leaders in the illegal mining scam case. Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 3.30 pm. Congress and BSP were supporting protest by SP members in the Upper House. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day. Tomorrow will be Rajya Sabha’s last sitting for the Winter Session.