Thread by @Memeghnad

ALERT!
Supplementary List of Business in Lok Sabha is out.

Two bills listed for introduction, including the Constitutional Amendment Bill for 10% Quota. What's more, it is also listed for consideration and passing TODAY!
#SansadWatch

They seem to be in the mood to bulldoze this bill through. It's a super important Constitutional Amendment, mind you.

No time will be given to MPs for filing amendments. The Bill was circulated TODAY! Parliamentary practice is being thrown out the window.
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In his interview to @smitaprakash, PM Modi had said that there should be deep discussions in Parliament on every aspect. But when his Government introduces and pushes through bills at such short notice, what they heck is he even talking about?

Whattay farce.
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PRS says it has already been introduced in Lok Sabha!

Now all that remains is the consideration and passing. Can happen any moment.
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https://twitter.com/PRSLegislative/status/1082542303955177472

This is the Constitutional Amendment bill which has been circulated.

It proposes to amend Article 15 & 16 of the Constitution and add a 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections. This is for admissions in edu institutions & Govt jobs.
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https://twitter.com/shemin_joy/status/1082539598327230464

It also says that "Economically Weaker Sections" will be defined through notification by the state from time to time based on family income and other indicators.
#SansadWatch

It's happening!
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https://twitter.com/PRSLegislative/status/1082601817387794438

Prof KV Thomas (INC): Only 48 hours given since Cabinet approved the bill. Taking hasty decisions like this is harmful. It's a jumla.
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KVT: Only 3 months left for this government. Both houses have to pass this constitutional amendment with 2/3rd majority and then 50% states have to approve it. How will this be done?

KVT: How is the Govt planning to give EWS reservations in unaided institutions when 50% caste based reservation can't be given there? It is a hasty legislation. Many things need to be considered.
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KVT: Govt has not generated employment. So what jobs will be given with this reservation in place?
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KVT: Madam we saw this bill only today. Govt is putting Parliament under pressure. They are butchering democracy.

Random voice: No written notice also!?!
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KVT: We are for the bill. We support the concept. But the way you're doing it is the problem. Why are you in a hurry? Send it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
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Arun Jaitley is now intervening.

AJ: I'm seeing that all political parties across the aisle had put in a 'jumla' of giving reservation to the unreserved for their manifestos.
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AJ: Have to clarify that amendments regarding fundamental rights in the Constitution will not require 50% approval of states. Only approval from both houses will do.

(Huh. #TIL for me as well!)
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AJ: This was the wish of the original creators of Constitution. Economic Justice and Equality of Opportunities is in the preamble of the Constitution.
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AJ: Media and political parties have been pointing out that this 10% will exceed the 50% limit for reservation set by the SC. EWS has never had a constitutional backing before this. I can confidently say that the SC Judgment did not go into Economic reservations.
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AJ: Supreme Court clarified in the judgment that the 50% reservation limit is only being set for socially backward castes & classes. Not economic backward groups.
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AJ: I have to say this to my communist friends that it would be the first time in the world that a law is being made to support the poor and the communists are opposing it.

MPs scream: We're not opposing it!!!

AJ: OK you're not opposing it.
#SansadWatch

Now Jaitley is attempting to read out manifestos of other parties which promised reservations based on Economic backwardness. Says everyone promised it.

Random screaming ensues.
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M Thambi Durai (AIADMK): What is the purpose of reservations? It is for social justice, that is our party stand. I'm a Shudra, the lowest of society. For centuries we had suffered a lot and that is why we asked for reservations.
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MTD: When so many schemes are there for economically poor people to be uplifted, this Economic Weaker Section reservation is not required.

(He's reading out schemes targeted at the poor)
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MTD: Since you failed in all your programs, all programs aimed at uplifting the poor, therefore you're bringing in this reservation.
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MTD: This law which you are making will be struck down by the Supreme Court...

Speaker: We are extending the house time since it's six pm till this bill consideration is over.

Kharge: Do it in next session then?

Speaker: Kal Kare So Aaj Kar.

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MTD: First increase the 50% ceiling to 70% by including all backward castes. Then you put this in place. We want a permanent remedy.
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MTD: Economic Backward criteria has problems. Economic position is temporary. If a person gets a job, will you take away the reservation? But Caste is permanent. Reservations by caste make more sense. I don't think this new criteria will succeed.
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MTD: Corruption will be encouraged because of this. Fake certificates will be made. All the good intentions will be forgotten. Please reconsider this.
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Anandrao Adsul (SS): There are many legitimate demands for reservations in many states, even in Maharashtra. There is a need to include more castes for reservations.
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(Basically, nobody is opposing the bill -- I mean, how can they -- but MPs are pointing out that this shouldn't be done in such a hurry so close to general elections)

J Reddy (TRS): Power to give caste based reservations should be handed over to the states completely because there are local nuances which central govt can't deal with. TRS supports the bill with some amendments.
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