Rajya Sabha approves controversial Quota Bill by huge majority

December 19, 2012

Rajya Sabha passed a Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012, providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions with an overwhelming vote of 206 in the 245-member House.

The Bill was vociferously opposed by members of Samajwadi Party warning it can have very serious fall-out and may be challenged in court.

As this Bill was a Constitution amendment bill, it required two-third majority for its approval, which was easily surpassed as 206 voted in favour in the House, where 216 members were present.

The Bill provides for amendments to Article 16(4) of the Constitution that will allow states to reserve seats in promotion for SCs and STs without collecting data to show the backwardness of class and inadequacy of that class in public appointments.

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