Rajya Sabha approves Sc, ST Quota bill

New Delhi: A Constitution amendment bill providing for quota for SCs and STs in government job promotions was on Monday passed by Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming vote of 206 in the 245-member House.
10 votes were polled against the proposed legislation, which was strongly opposed by UPA ally Samajwadi Party but pushed by another supporter BSP creating a difficult situation for the government.

All four members of Shiv Sena, which was also opposed to the Bill, were not present in the House.

Replying to the two-day debate, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said the bill seeks to correct the “inadequacy” in representation of SCs/STs in higher positions in government jobs.

Reacting to the passage of bill providing reservation in promotions in the Rajya Sabha, Dubey said their agitation will go on.

“The bill may have been passed in Rajya Sabha, but we will continue our agitation,” Dubey said.