Lok Sabha passes Bill to prevent use of unfair means in public examinations; Also clears J&K Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill to provide reservation to OBCs
Lok Sabha has passed The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Caste Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 and The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Caste Order (Amendment) Bill adds Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities.
The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill seeks to revise the list of Scheduled Tribes in J&K to include the Pahari community.
Replying to the debate in the House, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar elaborated on the various measures taken to uplift SC and ST communities by the government. He said these include Direct Benefit Transfers to students.
Replying to the discussion, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the birthplace of Birsa Munda in Jharkhand but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not go there during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. He stated that all initiatives by Narendra Modi government are aimed at benefiting all the people, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Participating in the discussion, Jugal Kishore Sharma of BJP said it is only Narendra Modi government which has thought about the welfare of Pahari community of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, it is a historic step to give reservation to the Pahari community. Supriya Sule of NCP supported the two Bills, and said that instead of bringing individual Bills for states, government should bring a nationwide Bill on reservation to give justice to backward communities.
Kodikunnil Suresh of Congress claimed that funds allocated for the welfare of SC and ST communities are not being adequately spent. Hasnain Masoodi of National Conference refuted claims that his party neglected the Pahari tribe’s concerns. After conducting today’s business, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day.
