Parliament passes bill to grant constitutional status to NCBC

It has had a long journey but finally the 123rd constitutional amendment bill giving constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes has got Parliamentary assent on Monday. It will give the institution all powers to safeguard the rights of the socially and educationally backward classes and fulfils a long pending commitment of the central govt to the OBCs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the passage of the bill in Parliament calling it historic. He said it will contribute to the empowerment of the OBC community across the country.

Fulfilling its promise to other backward classes, the Modi govt got the bill giving constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes passed in Parliament on Monday. While the Lok Sabha gave its assent to the Bill on Thursday..it was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The afternoon saw Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot present the 193rd Constitutional Amendment bill with the provision granting constitutional status to the NCBC for discussion and passage with an appeal to all members to pass it unanimously.

Members from several political parties supported the bill.

The Minister responded after the discussion and clearly said that the government remains committed to the welfare of the OBCs.

The minister’s response was followed by voting on the bill which finally got the Rajya Sabha’s assent. The main provisions of the Bill
are.

123RD CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL EXPLAINED

— It seeks to establish the NCBC under the constitution with authority to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding OBCs

— NCBC will will have a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and 3 other members of which at least one will be a woman

— The provision for mandatory woman member will be made during framing of rules

— NCBC will work as an autonomous institution with powers of a civil court

— It will investigate & monitor how safeguards provided to OBCs under Constitution and other laws are being implemented

— It will inquire into specific complaints regarding violation of rights of OBCs

— It will also advise and make recommendations on socio-economic development of such classes

— Central and state govts will have to consult NCBC on all major policy matters affecting OBCs

BJP Chief Amit Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the historic constitutional amendment.

Earlier, the Bill had been passed in the Lok Sabha. But thereafter it was passed with some amendments in the Rajya Sabha. The govt incorporated most of these amendments and got it cleared through the lower house again after which it returned to the Rajya Sabha. It will now come into force after Presidential assent.