Parliament Diary

In a rare break from disruptions this session, The Constitution (127th Amendment) Bill, 2021 was discussed and passed in Lok Sabha with 43 Members from both the treasury and opposition benches taking part in the discussion.

Since the Bill amends the Constitution, it required a special majority for its passage ( i.e. two-thirds of the Members present and voting, and a majority of the total Membership of the House). The Bill received support from all political parties and was passed unanimously with 385 Ayes.

During the discussion, some Members recommended the government to remove the 50% reservation limit set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney judgement. Few Members also stressed on the need to conduct a caste-based census this year to ensure meaningful policymaking for the backward classes. 

Replying to the debate, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment said that the 50% ceiling should be reconsidered particularly so because it was instituted 30 years ago, but added that it must be done after careful analysis of the Constitutional and legal provisions.

The National Commission for Homoeopathy (Amendment) Bill, 2021 and The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (Amendment) Bill, 2021 were then taken up and passed without discussion.

In Rajya Sabha, a discussion began on agriculture problems and solutions. However, due to disruptions, the House adjourned multiple times before adjourning for the day. 

No legislative business was taken up in Rajya Sabha.