The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha over the introduction of the bill to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically poor among the general category and supported
demands for sending it to a select committee.
Social Welfare and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot introduced 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenth- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' in the House amid the din with opposition members accusing the government of playing politics on the issue.
Gehlot, however, countered the opposition charge claiming that the government's intent was good and was aimed at uplifting the poor of the nation.
The bill seeks to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically weaker sections in the general category, but the opposition has dubbed it as an 'election gimmick' ahead of general elections.
The Congress, DMK, RJD and Aam Aadmi Party were in the well of the house and continued to raise slogans against the government.
Sensing the mood, Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the house till 2 PM while the discussion on the bill was on.
DMK member Kanomozhi demanded sending the Constitution amendment bill to a select committee for further scrutiny and sought division on her motion.
Her demand was supported by members of some parties including D Raja (CPI), with Congress also asking the deputy chairman to take up her plea first and allow division on her
motion.
But, deputy chairman Harivansh said it will only be taken up after the discussion, prompting the opposition members to raise further slogans.
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Goel accused the opposition of seeking to stall the passage of the bill that has been brought for the welfare of the poor.
This was strongly opposed, with Congress member Anand Sharma saying his party supported the bill, and Manoj Jha (RJD) stating the charge was incorrect and that the bill was "interference with the basic structure of the Constitution".
Sharma alleged that Goel has not done justice by making the charge as the Congress was in favour of the bill but had issues with the manner in which it was brought.
After the deputy chairman allowed the minister to move the bill amid the din, he heard various members raising points of order, but refrained from giving any ruling.
Congress member Madhusudan Mistry raised a point of order saying the bill was incomplete as the statement of objectives were not there.
He asked what was the urgency of the government in bringing this bill in such haste.
The deputy chairman said Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had already granted two-day exemption for introducing the bill and the same should be taken up.
PTI
