Parliament proceedings live | Deve Gowda reminds about pending women reservation Bill

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Constitution 127th Amendment Bill, 2021 with unanimous support from the House, and with this, the Lower House is expected to be adjourned sine die today.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed extraordinary scenes on Tuesday, with Opposition members, majority of whom dressed in black or sporting black bands, clambered onto the table in front of the Chair, protesting against the government for trying to push through a diluted debate on the farmers’ issue instead of going for a repeal of the three controversial farm laws. The protests are expected to continue today in the Upper House.

Here are the latest updates:

Rajya Sabha | 4.15 pm

Ramji (BSP) says OBCs are part of the Bahujan Samaj Party. He recalls how Ambedkar resigned after the government refused to include OBCs under reservation. He also recalls Kanshi Ram’s role in social justice movement.

Inaugurating Ambedkar’s photos will not bring upliftment, implementing his ideals will only bring real upliftment, he says in a dig to Sushil Kumar Modi. He says BSP will support government if it brings legislation to give reservation in promotion and private sector.

Jaiprakash Nishad (BJP) says the Prime Minister is bringing alive the dreams of Ambedkar.

Rajya Sabha | 4.10 pm

K. Raveendra Kumar (TDP) recalls the crucial role in implementing reservation for OBC community.

Centre is compelled to bring this Bill after the Supreme Court judgment, he says.

He says the latest census should include caste enumeration. Without these figures we can’t make proper policy for the country, he says.

Sardar Balwinder Singh Bhunder (SAD) speaks in Punjabi. Some members complain they are not able to get the translation. The Chair asks him to speak in Hindi or English.  He says he wholeheartedly welcomes the Bill. This is the first time the Centre has restored powers taken from states since 1947.

The farmers protesting today are poor and frustrated. This is injustice with Punjab. Now you have the chance to repeal the 3 farm laws, he adds.

Rajya Sabha | 4.00 pm

Deve Gowda reminds about pending women reservation Bill

Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda welcome the Bill. Reservation in Karnataka was started by Maharaja of Mysore in 1918.

In the last session, the government 10% reservation for EWS over and above the existing system. Will the cap now be 60% now, he seeks clarification.

He says during his tenure, Rajya Sabha approved women reservation. It should be brought to Lok Sabha.

Karnataka provides 23% reservation to OBCs. Within that Muslims are also included and there was no opposition. Let the government clarify if such a reservation is possible after this Bill is passed.

Rajya Sabha | 4.00 pm

Include Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians in SC list: Abdul Wahab

Abdul Wahab (IUML) says he was surprised the government brought this Bill in this session. Dharmendra Pradhan talked about giving petrol pumps to OBCs. If you privatise all institutions, who will give them jobs, he asks.

He recalls anti-Mandal protest and an upper caste youth who self immolated himself in 1990.

He reads out the abysmally low proportion of OBC faculty in higher education. He says in most cases, they stamp NFS (none found suitable) to evade reservation.

He demands including Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians in SC list.

Rajya Sabha | 3.35 pm

Modi ensured reservation does not get lapsed if vacancy is not filled in IIT teaching posts: Dhrmendra Pradhan

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauds the House for a constructive debate. Some members questioned the language of the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act. It was drafted by the Select Committee. The then Minister had clearly said there will be two lists — one for state, one for Centre.

This is not a knee jerk reaction of our government. Noone should doubt our intention. Some members of DMK raised IITs were not following reservation. It was a news for me. Then we found out the reservation lapses if the vacancy was not filled up. Mr. Modi ensured the reservation does not get lapsed, he says.

We implemented OBC reservation in Jawahar Vidyalayas.  He lists out how they ensured petrol pump licences were offered to many OBC people.

On why a cap on reservation, he says over 80% States have crossed the cap. He says many welfare schemes of NDA government uses the same census data.

He says his father was also part of the then Madras Presidency. It was because of their BC scholarship, his father could become a doctor and he himself could be part of Creamy Layer.

Rajya Sabha | 3.35 pm

Reservation is for the self-respect: Thambi Durai

M. Thambi Durai (AIADMK) says the Bill will go a long way in ensuring equitable distribution of resources. He recalls the contributions of Periyar, Anna, MGR and Jayalaithaa. Reservation is for the self-respect, he says.

He recalls how Justice Party brought reservation in Madras Presidency in 1921.

Rajya Sabha | 3.25 pm

Odisha has started its own caste enumeration: Amar Patnaik

Amar Patnaik (BJD) narrates how Odisha provided social justice despite the Indira Sawhney case. He says Odisha wanted to provide 27% reservation for SEBC, but are able to provide 11.2%.

The Indira Sawhney case highlights that there is no scientific data to support reservation. The government of Odisha has started collecting data by its own since March.

Rajya Sabha | 3.15 pm

A speech targetting Congress

Harnath Singh Yadav (BJP) hits out at Congress. He claims in 70 years, the grand old party has not done much for the OBCs.

He wonders why the Congress and UPA couldn’t grant constitutional status to the OBC Commission. His entire speech is targetted against Congress. He claims Sardar Patel was not allowed to become PM because he was the son of a farmer. Congress members object to it.

The Chair asks him to end his speech citing paucity of time.

Rajya Sabha | 3.10 pm

Meritorious people should not be included in reservation: Rajmani Patel

Rajmani Patel (Congress) says the several opposition parties have forced the government to bring this Bill by approaching the court.

Had the government’s intention was favouring OBCs, they would have not gone on the roads with Kamandal, he says.

Congress brought reservation for OBCs in Madhya Pradesh. The subsequent BJP governments didn’t take it up and the Supreme Court struck it down. Whereas Tamil Nadu fought well and ensured 69% reservation continues there, he says.

He seeks change in the roster within reservation with binary roster.  Even animals are counted, why can’t OBCs be counted, he asks pitching for caste cesnsus. He also seeks reservation in promotion. Meritorious people should not be included in reservation but should be alloted in general category, he says.

Rajya Sabha | 2.55 pm

You are shedding crocodile tears, Binoy Viswam tells government

Binoy Viswam (CPI-M) while supporting the Bill terms it election adjust Bill. B.R. Ambedkar must be weeping now. It was V.P. Singh that brought justice to his words. Who raised the slogan Mandal vs. Kamandal? Who raised Mandir to hide Mandal? he asks.

He quotes M.S. Golwalkar’s words against quota. Now that BJP, with thought of votes, is coming with a Bill on reservation. Please don’t cheat the country, he says.

You are supporting people who raped and murdered young Dalit girls and you are shedding crocodile tears for Dalits, and OBCS, he tells BJP.

Rajya Sabha | 2.45 pm

War of words between Sanjay Singh and Naqvi

G.K. Vasan (TMC-M) says the Bill will uplifit the OBCs socially and economically.

Sanjay Singh (AAP) supports the Bill. He says the government’s claims on OBC welfare are laughable. He shows Uttar Pradesh OBC report flagging the reserved teachers post not filled yet. He also speaks on Hathras rape and murder, the atrocities against Dalits in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Deputy Leader of the Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi seeks expunging the references of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Jairam Ramesh supports Sanjay Singh. The Chair says it will be reviewed.

Rajya Sabha | 2.40 pm

 Indira Sawhney case should be revisited: NCP

Vandana Chavan (NCP) also supports the Bill. Let us ask ourselves if the 102nd Constitutional Amendment passed the test of being unambigious. She wonders if the earlier amendment was only to seed the protests.

This Bill gives powers to the State, unfortunately without action, she says. The Indira Sawhney case should be revisited, she says.

She says the migrated people are also a deprived lot. They should also be considered for reservation.

Rajya Sabha | 2.30 pm

Narendra Jadhav, nominated member, also supports the Bill.  He says nearly 1/5th of the OBCs would have lost the benefits of reservation had the Bill was not brought in.

Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) says he supports the Bill and will talk about Pegasus in the evening.

He recalls the Maratha reservation agitation, and lauds the youngters for taking part in a peaceful protest. However, he says the issue is far from over, despite the passage of the Bill. Only the removal of the ceiling limit can provide a permanent solution, he says.

Rajya Sabha | 2.25 pm

Change your mentality on caste enumeration: Manoj Jha

Manoj Jha (RJD) terms it a historical moment when the House is unitedly supporting a Bill. He remembers former member and writer Tulsiram, a Dalit who faced discrimination while he was in school.

Many members have asked several times requested to make public the caste census data. He recalls how a BJP member in Lok Sabha demanded it yesterday. “It is not a Freudian Slip, it came from her heart,” he says.

He pitches for proportional representation. Recalling BJP’s earlier statement that we are ready for categories but not for caste enumeration, Mr. Jha says this mentality should change.

Rajya Sabha | 2.20 pm

Time to make Lohia’s vision a reality: JD-U

Ram Nath Thakur (JD-U) recalls Ram Manohar Lohia’s agitation for reservation.  He recalls Nitish Kumar granting 50% reservation for women in Panchayats and wards.

He urges government to fill up the posts lying vacant in higher education institutions.

He also insists on caste-based census.

Rajya Sabha | 2.10 pm

Act cannot be implemented well without taking a fresh caste census: Ramgopal Yadav

Ramgopal Yadav (SP) supports the Bill. The fruit of the Bill will truly be felt only when the 50% reservation ceiling is lifted, he says.

The Act cannot be implemented well without taking a fresh caste census, he says.

He counters Sushil Kumar Modi by listing the number of posts reserved for OBCs lying vacant in various higher education insitutions.

Rajya Sabha | 2.00 pm

When reservation creates inequalities within the reserved class itself, the state has to intervene: Kareem

Elamaaram Kareem (CPI-M) says it is a welcome step and the government is rectifying its earlier mistake. This cannot be taken as something to glorify the government, we all know its OBC policy.

The earlier amendment took away the rights of the State. The States could only send suggestions and the Union government can only add a caste to the OBC list.

After wasting time, the government has decided to bring this Bill. He also asks the government to review the EWS norms. Dalit Christians should also be included in reservation, he says.

When reservation creates inequalities within the reserved class itself, the state has to intervene, he says.

He also takes up the Pegasus snooping row. The unconstitutional attitude of the government led to this situation, he says.

Rajya Sabha | 1.55 pm

What is the scientific basis for 50% cap on reservation, asks Banda Prakash

Banda Prakash of the TRS asks, “what is the scientific basis for 50% cap on reservation?”

He demands a Caste Census. “Without data, how will you implement reservation?” he asks. He demands a Ministry for Backward Classes.

Subhas Chandra Bose Pilli of the YSRCP speaks in Telugu.

Rajya Sabha | 1.45 pm

Govt. compelled to introduce Bill: Tiruchi Siva

Tiruchi Siva of the DMK says Tamil Nadu, with its 69% reservation, leads in empowerment and social justice.

Supporting the Bill, he says, the government was compelled to introduce the Bill as 671 OCBC committees were being affected. “This was done under compulsion. Federalism is not a suitable word for you (government). For you, all is unitary– one language, one religion, etc. But federalism is the core feature of the country.”

“Caste Census should be immediately conducted and the 50% cap on reservation should be done away with,” Mr. Siva says.

“We support the Bill. But our appeal to you, to bring changes in the interest of the people and not out of compulsion.”

Rajya Sabha | 1.40 pm

RJD happiest if States’ powers restored: Prasanna Acharya

Prasanna Acharya of the BJD speaks in Odiya.

This Bill will strengthen the federal structure of the country, he says. “RJD will be the happiest party if the powers taken from the States are restored,” he says.

He says the 50% cap on reservation should be reconsidered and also asks that Ceste Census take place.

Rajya Sabha | 1.30 pm

Will talk about legislative incompetence of govt.: O’ Brien

Derek O’ Brien of the TMC says to the Speaker, “Through you, Sir, I want to request the Prime Minsiter to come to the House, when an important discussion as this is taking place.”

He makes a remark on Pegasus, invoking a reference to “the Olympics god Poseidon”.

Making a refernce to Sushil Modi’s remarks on winning elections, he says, “we don’t talk, we do. We want to remind them of the elections in West Bengal.”

He says he supports the Bill, “but I also want to talk about the legislative incompetence of the government.” “We warned the government to go slow on the GST, although we supported it. In 10 months, 376 changes were made,” he says, as an illustration.

He cites the CAA and the farm laws as mistakes of the government. “The government did not listen and continued to make mistakes.”

He says the Trinamool has studied 98 Bills passed by the government, and “29 Bills are anti-federal”.

He asks why Caste Census is being done away with.

Mr. O’ Brien recalls that the government did away with reservation to Anglo-Indians based on a census that wrongfully said Anglo-Indian community comprises only 200 people.

Rajya Sabha | 1 pm

Sushil Kumar Modi is heckled in the House as he makes statements bashing the previous Congress govts.

Sushil Kumar Modi says a review petition was filed by the govt. withing 8 days of the judgment by the Supreme Court. “We have brought this Bill early, unlike Mr. Singhvi’s insinuation, as soon as our review petition was rejected.”

Quoting from the minority judgment Of Justices Bhushan and Najeeb, Mr. Modi clarifies the legislative intent of the Bill. Our intention was not to deprive the States, he says, adding the Supreme Court misinterpretated.

He says, “we supported the V.P. Singh decision of giving the OBC reservation. We gave constitutional recognition to Scheduled Tribes Commission. What did the Congress do?”

He makes statements bashing the previous Congress governments. He says Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government has brought in favourable changes.

The Opposition members express disagreement to some statements. Chaotic scenes ensue in the House.

Mr. Kharge says false claims are being made by Mr. Modi.

Rajya Sabha | 12.35 pm

The wrong of 2018 being rectified, Bill long time coming: Singhvi

Abhishek Manu Singhvi of the Congress, says, “The path to hell is paved with good intentions. The Bill was a long time coming. But I also want to point out that the government is only correcting its big mistake of 2018.” Mr. Singhvi was making a reference to the 102nd amendment made in 2018.

The government committed a mistake and the government is congratulating itself for rectifying it now, he says.

An amendment was proposed in this House, many MPs also made some suggestions when it was sent to a select committee for recommendations, he says.

He says, “as feared, the Supreme Court faltered in the interpretation of the ambiguous language of the legislation.”

Speaking about the Maratha reservation issue, Mr. Singhvi says, the 50% cap on reservation cannot be followed as a strict rule. He gives the examples of States like Nagaland and Tamil Nadu which have more than 50% reservation. “The Supreme Court will not reconsider this. So, the government has to, and make the change.”

Mr. Singhvi brings up OBC seats lying vacant ingovernment employment.

He asks why Caste Census is being done away with. “We did it in 2011. Why not do it now in 2021?”

Suggesting an amendment to the Bill, Mr. Singhvi says, “This amendment is clarificatory. But unless it is applied restrospectively, no State list between 2018 and 2021 will be valid.”

Rajya Sabha | 12.30 pm

Allow discussion for more than three hours: Kharge

Manoj Jha asks the Speaker to allot sufficient time even for the smaller parties, who have equal stakes, to speak about the “important amendments” suggested in the Bill.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge tells the Speaker, he has the power to change the decision taken by the Business Advisory Committee. “No one is going to oppose this Bill…Even if the discussion time is increased by two or three hours, the country or the House will not be at a disadvantage.”

Minister Piyush Goyal suggests that the House sit until all the day’s business is completed, even beyond 6 p.m. “If we need to increase the discussion to beyond three hours, then we need to be on agreement to this.”

Member Anand Sharma says, “It is not acceptable that the extension is conditional.”

Mr. Goyal responds and restates that the day’s business will have to be completed, and “it is only fair that we agree to sit beyond 6 p.m. for it.”

There is chaos in the House.

Mr. Harivansh says the discussion will take place for four hours.

Rajya Sabha | 12.15 pm

House takes up Bill restoring States’ rights to specify OBC groups

Motion is moved in the House for the consideration of The Constitution 127th Amendment Bill, 2021 by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Mr. Kumar thanks all members for the consensus shown in discussing the Bill. “It is a history-making Bill.”

The Bill give back power to states to identify social and economic backward classes.

He says, the constitution amendment bill passed by Lok Sabha on Tuesday will empower states to prepare and maintain their own list of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) and provide them reservation.

Rajya Sabha | 12 pm

Question Hour, lunch break suspended

Proceedings resumes in the Upper House.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh is in the chair.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of India Pralhad Joshi asks that the House suspend Question Hour and lunch break to discuss The Constitution 127th Amendment Bill, 2021. The House agrees.

Mr. Harivansh condoles the demise of Thindivanam K. Ramamurthy, ex-Member.

Papers being laid on the table of the House.

Productivity of the Lok Sabha

20 Bills passed this session, only OBC Bill passed after discussion

At a press conference after the adjournment of the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla said it pained him that the Lok Sabha didn’t function smoothly this monsoon session.

“The House functioned for only 74 hours and 46 minutes. The total productivity was 22%,” he said.

A total of 20 Bills were passed in the session, of which only the OBC Bill was passed after discussion. The remaining Bills were passed in din without discussion, through voice vote.

“I always expect the MPs to maintain the dignity of the House. There have been debates, agreements and disagreements in the House but its dignity was never lowered,” he said.

Urging all MPs to follow the Parliamentary traditions, Mr. Birla said sloganeering and raising of placards are not a part of these traditions.

Lok Sabha | 11 am

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die

Proceedings for the day begin.

Speaker Om Birla condoles the death of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was earlier Member of Parliament and a Minister at the Centre. Obituary references are made for Nityananda Mishra, Gopalrao Mayekar and Sudarshan Roy Chowdhury.

Mr. Birla gives an account of the works undertaken in the Lok Sabha this session.

The House is adjourned sine die.

Rajya Sabha | 11 am

Venkaiah Naidu expresses anguish over yesterday’s events

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu calling the actions of some members as “acts of sacrilege”, says “I have no words to express my anguish and condemn the actions of yesterday. I slept a sleepless night.”

Mr. Naidu got emotional and said he was distressed to see the sacredness of the House being destroyed over a difference of opinion. “I am distressed as the way this sacredness was destroyed yesterday when some members sat on the table some others climbed on the tables of the house, perhaps to be more visible, was an act of sacrilege. I have no words to condemn the act as I spent a sleepless night,”

When a discussion on agriculture was listed in the list of business for the day, the opportunity was not taken by the members to air their grievances. “Even a discussion on the farm laws could have been taken up,” he says, expressing his displeasure and “anguish” over the last day’s events.

The Opposition begins to raise slogans.

The House is adjourned till 12 p.m.

Meeting of Opposition parties

A meeting of leaders of Opposition parties in the office of Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge is underway. Leaders from INC, including Rahul Gandhi, DMK, TMC, SP, SS, NC, CPM, RJD, CPI, IUML, RSP, VCK, KC(M) and LJD are attending the meeting.

Discussion

Member Vinayal Bhaurao Raut is scheduled to raise a discussion on the situation arising out of Covid-19 pandemic in the country and various aspects related to it, under Rule 193

Legislative Business

Rajya Sabha

Bill for consideration and passing

The General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2021

Bills for consideration and return

The Appropriation (No.4) Bill, 2021

The Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2021

Lok Sabha

Bill for consideration and passing

The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020