Lok Sabha Passes Bill Restoring Rights Of States, UTs To Chalk Their Own OBC List

Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar, who earlier moved the bill for discussion in the Lok Sabha, said it will empower the states in preparing the OBC list.

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New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Constitution Amendment Bill 2021, which seeks to restore the power of states and Union Territories to make their own OBC lists.

Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar, who earlier moved the bill for discussion in the Lok Sabha, said it will empower the states in preparing the OBC list.

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Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment for the welfare of OBC community, he said the legislation will also help to strengthen the country’s federal structure.

Describing the bill as historic, Kumar said 671 castes in the nation would benefit from it.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury while initiating the debate earlier said the Opposition is in support of the bill in the interest of the OBC community.

He emphasized the Congress party has always been at the forefront for the upliftment of the OBC.

Chowdhury, however, alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre has brought this bill keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The Congress leader also used the occasion to questioned the ruling dispensation over the Pegasus snooping controversy and asked as to why the government has not started an investigation into it like other countries.