Lok Sabha Clears Economic Quota Bill: To Face Rajya Sabha Challenge In Extended Session Today

The 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill, for providing 10 per cent reservation to economically weaker sections in the general category, tabled earlier in the day has been cleared by the Lok Sabha where the ruling NDA alliance holds a majority.

The final vote count via the electronic system stood at 323 Ayes and just three Noes, rendering it passed with a two-third majority. Notably, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi openly declared his opposition to this bill. AIADMK also opposed the bill and staged a walkout before the voting.

The passage of the bill was welcomed by its supporting MPs via chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. This last piece of business also marked the end of the winter session of the Lok Sabha.

Today (8 January) was the last day of the current session of the Lok Sabha with Speaker Sumitra Mahajan having extended the working hours to allow for discussion on the bill. The bill will now face the Rajya Sabha test tomorrow (9 January), with the Upper House’s current winter session having been extended by a day.

Rajya Sabha may turn out to be the real test for the bill - which is a Constitutional Amendment - and hence requires a special majority of two-thirds of members present in the House along with not less than half the strength of the House. The NDA currently holds only 89 of the 245 seats in the house.

Following passage by the Rajya Sabha, the bill will have to be ratified by at least half of the state legislatures in the country before it comes into force. The bill will also have to face judicial scrutiny if any legal challenges are raised against the proposed changes in reservation policy.