Parliament winter session highlights| ‘Landmark moment’, PM’s thank you tweet after lok Sabha clears 10% quota bill

On the last day of Lok Sabha’s winter session, the House passed Constitution (124 Amendment) Bill, 2019 with 323 ‘ayes’. The bill will provide reservation for economically weaker section of the society in higher educational institutions. The bill – which was passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting – will be taken up by the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. This is the first time that economic status would entitle a person to reservation benefit at a national level.Here are the highlights:

10:55 pm IST

PM Modi thanks MPs who supported 10% quota bill

“I thank MPs from all the parties who supported The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha.

I also appreciate those MP colleagues who enriched today’s debate with their views,” tweeted PM Narendra Modi.

10:00 pm IST

Lok Sabha passes 10% quota bill

Lok Sabha passes Constitution (124 Amendment) Bill, 2019 with 323 ‘ayes’. The bill will provide reservation for economically weaker section of the society in higher educational institutions.

9:53 pm IST

Lok Sabha votes on 10% reservation bill

Lok Sabha is voting on 10% reservation bill.

9:40 pm IST

Crores of people will get benefit: Thawar Chand Gehlot

“Crores of people of the general category from all religions and castes will be benefitted from this 10% quota,” said Thawar Chand Gehlot.

9:30 pm IST

PM Modi arrives

PM Modi reached today to attend Lok Sabha debate on 10% reservation bill.

9:25 pm IST

Why no notice before introducing bill in LS: Shashi Tharoor

“Why was no written notice given to the Speaker before the bringing up the bill in Lok Sabha, can the govt now bring up a bill any time it wants it” said Congress’ Shashi Tharoor.

9:02 pm IST

Quota bill is a fraud on the Constitution: Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM

“I oppose this bill, it’s a fraud on the Constitution, it’s an insult to BR Ambedkar. It’s against the spirit of the Constitution,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM.

8:48 pm IST

All’s well that ends well: Anupriya Patel, Apna Dal

“All’s well that ends well” said Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal on decision to bring up the reservation bill on the last day of the session.

8:42 pm IST

Only an electoral politics: NK Premchandran, RSP

“It’s historic bill, but the intention of the government to bring the bill at this point is not bonafide, it’s only an electoral politics,” said NK Premchandran, RSP.

“The government is pursuing a jobless growth. Real growth must be aimed at when bringing in a legislation” he added.

8:37 pm IST

Not a poverty eradication programme: ET Mohammed Basheer, IUML

“The real object of this bill is to create a tense situation, and influence of the upcoming election. Reservation bill must be meant to bridge the gap between rich and poor, it’s not a poverty eradication programme,” said ET Mohammed Basheer, IUML.

8:35 pm IST

Real objective of bill to influence 2019 election: ET Mohammed Basheer, IUML

“The real object of this bill is to create a tense situation, and a move influence the upcoming election,” ET Mohammed Basheer, IUML.

8:30 pm IST

The quota bill is govt’s responsibility: BJP’s Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan

“We were asked what is the fault of economically weaker sections. The jobless youth would ask their fathers what was their fault if they took birth in a particular caste. It is the government’s responsibility to take care of all it’s people of all religions and castes, which is why this bill,” said BJP’s Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan.

8:25 pm IST

Why bring a bill on last day: Congress’ Deepender Singh Hooda

“As per Constitution, it is required to give notice about a bill, however, the govt seemed confused which is why they chose to bring it up on the last day. I hope it’s not a jumla” said Congress’ Deepender Singh Hooda.

8:15 pm IST

Give priority to those from govt institutions: Upendra Kushwaha, RLSP

“I suggest that priority must be given to those who pass out from government schools, and then what is left should be given to those from private schools, Also, there must be reservation in private sector jobs,” said Upendra Kushwaha, RLSP.

“Also, please explain the logic behind 10% reservation, why not 15%, 8%, 5% or 5%,” he asked.

8:05 pm IST

A political stunt: AAP’s Bhagwat Mann

‘This looks like a political stunt, which is why they brought up the quota bill on the last day of the winter session and not on day one,” said AAP’s Bhagwat Mann.

“It’s just another jumla, they are Bhartiya Jumla Party (BJP)” he added.

8:00 pm IST

It’s Diwali for us: Nishikant Dubey, BJP

“I came from an economically backward background, and I must say it’s holi, diwali for us today, it’s a matter of celebration” said BJP’s Nishikant Dubey on Union cabinet clearing the reservation bill.

7:55 pm IST

Political betrayal: RJD’s Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav

“They are betraying us, it’s a political betrayal. Increase SC/STs reservation to 85% and then give 10% to the economically weaker section of the general category” said RJD’s Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav.

7:35 pm IST

Modi govt brought historic changes: Mahendra Nath Pandey

“It’s only PM Narendra Modi-led NDA government that can bring in historic moves like the GST, and reservation bill,” said Pandey.

7:45 pm IST

BJP’s Mahendra Nath Pandey congratulates govt for 10% quota decision

BJP’s Mahendra Nath Pandey congratulates government on its clearing bill for 10 per cent reservation for the poor among the upper castes in jobs and education.

“There is a section of people who need support, and the I’m glad that the governemnt has cleared the reservation bill for them,” said Pandey.

7:36 pm IST

Serious concern how bill was raised: Dharmendra Yadav, SP

“I support the bill, however, it is a matter of serious concern about the way the reservation bill was raised,” said Dharmendra Yadav, SP.

7:34 pm IST

No political will, so survey about Dhangar reservation: Supriya Sule, NCP

“Probably there is no political will which is why a survey is being done about Dhangar reservation,” said Supriya Sule, NCP.

7:25 pm IST

Bill must be deferred to JPC: Jitendra Chowdhury, CPI-M

“I suggest that the bill be deferred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee so that a more comprehensive discussion can be done on the bill,” said Jitendra Chowdhury, CPI-M.

7:15 pm IST

Caste doesn’t change, financial status can: Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD

“One cannot change his caste, however the financial status of a person may change, which is why adequate information must be collected at least every 10 years, and the proposed bill does not state that,” said Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD.

7:00 pm IST

Paswan wants quotas in pvt sector next

In Lok Sabha debate, BJP ally LJP’s Ram Vilas Paswan said that there must be quotas in the private sector as well.

6:55 pm IST

Reservation not on basis of caste is good: Ram Vilas Paswan

“Those who were rich after independence, not necessary that they are still well off. Reservation not on basis of caste is a good move,” said Ram Vilas Paswan, consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister.

6:35 pm IST

How did the word economically backward people come to India: AP Jitender Reddy, TRS

How did the word economically backward people come to India? India was once called Golden bird, but the government that came into power after independence that failed to provide proper infrastructure to the people, said AP Jitender Reddy, TRS.

6:25 pm IST

Better late than never: Anandrao Adsul, Shiv Sena

“I support the bill, as was the idea of Bal thackeray also. The only question I have is why did it take four and a half years? Opposition says it’s because of upcoming elections.

However, it’s sometimes better late than never,” said Shiv Sena’s Anandrao Adsul.

6:20 pm IST

The bill is misleading youth: Sudip Bandyopadhyay

“Why does the Government not take up the women reservation bill with the same priority as this quota bill? This bill is not only about jobs, but also about misleading the youth with false hopes and fake dreams,” said Sudip Bandyopadhyay.

6:15 pm IST

This bill is about promising and not delivering: Sudip Bandyopadhyay

“When approximately only 100 days are left for the government’s tenure, it becomes a dilemma that if there is enough time to resolve the employment problem in the country, or if it’s a measure to influence the 2019 elections scenario,” said All India Trinamool Congress’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay.

“This bill is all about promising and not delivering, it’s like a fake dream. The bill must first go to the joint committee and discussion must first be taken up about the status of job vacancies in the country” he added.

6:05 pm IST

Have govt schemes for the poor failed: AIADMK’s M Thambidurai

“Have govt schemes for the poor failed? There are enough schemes. This reservation bill which you are bringing will be struck down by the Supreme Court,” said M Thambidurai of AIADMK.

6:02 pm IST

Upper caste quota will not breach 50 per cent SC cap: Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday rejected criticism that the 10 per cent reservation for the poor among the upper castes in jobs and education will breach the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court, saying that the limit was specific to quota for the SCs/STs and socially and educationally backward classes.

6:00 pm IST

Move for equality: Jaitley

“This reservation bill ensures ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. It is a move for equality, will enable social upliftment,” said Arun Jaitley.

5:53 pm IST

All parties promised quota for poor, it’s their test today: Jaitley

“Manifestos of most parties promise reservation to economically weaker sections of the society, and their commitment to their promise is put to test today. I request all to support the motion,” said Arun Jaitley.

5:35 pm IST

Reservation in both aided, unaided institutions: Arun Jaitley

“Efforts in past have been misdirected. Govt is being questioned why SC/STs are being given reservation in only aided institutions, whereas, for general category quota is proposed for both aided and unaided institutions.

However, if the Constitution is read properly phraseology for SC/ST quota and the proposed quota economically weaker section of gen category is same, i.e. under both quotas, reservation is to be provided in both aided and unaided institutions” said Arun Jaitley.

5:30 pm IST

Must not take a hasty decision, and must send it to JPC: KV Thomas

Nearly 83% of job losses in rural India, which is 2/3rd of India’s population, where are you going to give employment. Why bring this legislation without proper probe? : KV Thomas

We must not take a hasty decision, and must send it to JPC,” he added.

5:15 pm IST

Bill for all people of general category: Gehlot

This is a bill meant for all those people of the economically weaker section who are outside the SC/ST quota, meant for people of all religions and castes: Gehlot

5:10 pm IST

Current measures not enough: Thawar Chand Gehlot

Social justice minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the bill. “The government felt current measures were not enough, which is why the cabinet decided to approve 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper caste sections in Lok Sabha.

5:09 pm IST

Historic effort: Thawarchand Gehlot

There is a need to make “historic” efforts, Union minister Thawarchand Gehlot told the Lok Sabha Tuesday while moving a constitutional amendment bill to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically backward section in the general category.

He said there is a need to bring economically backward section to the mainstream.

5:08 pm IST

Lok Sabha takes up discussion on reservation bill

The Lok Sabha has taken up discussion on the reservation bill that reserves 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper caste sections in Lok Sabha.

5:05 pm IST

LoK Sabha passes citizenship bill

Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 has been passed in Lok Sabha.

5:00 pm IST

Burden to be shared by the country: Rajnath

“As the citizenship bill was proposed, it is being rumoured that the burden will entirely be born by Assam. However, I want to assure Assam that the burden will be shared by the entire country,” said Rajnath Singh.

4:55 am IST

Bill not Assam-specific: Rajnath Singh

“Those immigrants who will be given citizenship under this bill, will be entitled to stay anywhere in the country, and not just Assam,” said Rajnath Singh.

4:45 pm IST

Rajya Sabha session extended by 1 day without consensus: Opposition

The Rajya Sabha session has ben adjourned for the day, and will resume tomorrow as the winter session has been extended by one day. Opposition leaders are protesting in the Parliament premises against central government for extending Rajya Sabha session by a day; allege it was extended without consensus.

Opposition leaders protest in the Parliament premises. ( ANI Photo/Twitter )

4:40 pm IST

Cabinet approves Schedule Tribe (ST) status to 6 communities in Assam: Rajnath

Cabinet approves Schedule Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam namely Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutiya, Tea Tribes, Moran and Matak: Rajnath Singh.

4:30 pm IST

Must give asylum to refugees, but why citizenship, asks Owaisi

“We must give asylum to refugees, but why do we give them, that too on basis of religion,” asked Asaduddin Owaisi with reference to the proposed citizenship bill in the Lok Sabha.

4:15 pm IST

Reservation bill likely to be discussed in Lok Sabha today

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has tabled the bill for 10 percent reservation for economically weaker upper caste sections in Lok Sabha. The bill is likely to be discussed today.

3.40 pm IST

Bangladeshis are there in voters’ list in Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Sawant

Bangladeshis are there in voters’ list in Mumbai. It is a serious issue. I would request the government to talk with indigenous people of Assam, including AGP, and resolve the issue: Shiv Sena MP Sawant.

3.35 pm IST

Trump echoing Bal Thackeray’s views: says Shiv Sena MP Arvind Ganpat Sawant

Shiv Sena was formed for protecting the rights of the indigenous people. Now the whole world is echoing its chief’s views. Trump echoing Bal sahab Thackeray’s views, says Shiv Sena MP Arvind Ganpat Sawant, MP, Mumbai (south)

3.30 pm IST

Delete Bangladesh from citizenship bill, demands BJD MP Mahtab

Delete Bangladesh from citizenship bill, demands BJD MP Mahtab

3.20 pm IST

Assam is of the Assamese: BJD MP Mahtab

It is necessary that we don’t open up our frontiers. Assam is of the Assamese. Citizenship bill has revived old faultlines in Assam. Brahmaputra valley opposes it, while Barak valley welcomes it. Migration causes problem, because it eats away employment. In wealthy countries they are closing borders, says BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab.

3.10 pm IST

BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab speaks on Citizenship bill

Minorities of other countries, where will they go, except India. Please add Sri Lanka also. Don’t include Bangladesh if not including Myanmar and Indonesia and Sri Lanka, says Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJD, Cuttack, Odisha.

2.50 pm IST

Minister SS Ahluwalia cites population stats

BJP MP from Darjeeling, and drinking water and sanitation minister, SS Ahluwalia, speaking in Bengali, cites population statistics.

2.45 pm IST

Mathuas being wooed by BJP using Citizenship bill: Saugata Ray, TMC walks out

Mathua community being wooed using this Citizenship Bill, says Saugata Ray. Trinamool Congress walks out of Lok Sabha.

2.41 pm IST

TMC MP Saugata Ray raises killing of Bengali Hindus by ULFA(I)

ULFA(I) killed innocent Bengali Hindus over Citizenship bill in Tinsukia in Assam: Saugata Ray

2.40 pm IST

PM not present in Parliament, but promising rights in Silchar: Saugata Ray

PM not present in Parliament, but going to Silchar (Assam) and promising rights to Hindu migrants. Such a kind of politics is being played, says Saugata Ray and demands withdrawal of bill or send it back to the select committee.

2.35 pm IST

Citizenship amendment bill will set fire to Assam and Northeast: Saugata Ray, MP, Dum Dum

Citizenship amendment bill will set fire to Assam and Northeast. No objection to giving this bill for refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Make this secular bill. Why mention only 6 religions. Do not mention only three countries, Saugata Ray, MP, Dum Dum, West Bengal

2.33 pm IST

Congress walks out of Lok Sabha amid Citizenship Amendment Bill debate

Congress walks out of Lok Sabha during debate over the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016.

2.30 pm IST

Send bill to Select Committee, Kharge demands

Send Citizenship bill to Select Committee, demands Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, citing riots and protests in Assam. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejects demand, saying it cannot be sent to select committee again. Several MPs shout slogans against the bill.

2.25 pm IST

Govt to address Assam and Bodo people’s issues: Rajnath Singh

Govt to address Assam and Bodo people’s issues. Govt has taken measures to redress long pending issues.

2.20 pm IST

Assam people’s rights to be protected: Rajnath Singh amid uproar

Assam people’s rights, culture, jobs to be protected. No discrimination in NRC, says Rajnath Singh amid slogan shouting.

2.10 pm IST

Citizenship law not only for Assam or migrants from one country: Rajnath Singh

Misinformation being circulated. I want to clarify that Citizenship Amendment Bill is not for Assam alone or for the betterment of migrants coming from a particular country. This Bill is also for migrants who have come from the Western borders&have settled down in Rajasthan,Punjab, Delhi&Rajasthan, says Rajnath Singh

2 pm IST

Home minister Rajnath Singh speaks on Citizenship Bill

Home minister Rajnath Singh speaks on Citizenship Bill: Minorities are persecuted in Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. They have faced violence. They have found security in India. Govt has regulated long-term stay of such migrants.

1.40 pm IST

Reservation bill introduced in Lok Sabha

1.30 pm IST

Reservation bill introduced as supplementary business

1.20 pm IST

Reservation bill a jumla, says former finance minister Yashwant Sinha

The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed.

— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 7, 2019

1.15 pm IST

I welcome the 10% reservation announced by the Centre: BJP MP Anurag Thakur

BJP MP Anurag Thakur: I welcome the 10% reservation announced by the Centre for economically weaker sections of the upper caste. PM Narendra Modi's policies have helped to uplift the poor in the country. pic.twitter.com/7vVQdjrcnV

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

1.10 pm IST

Bill for 10% reservation of economically weaker upper caste sections tabled in Lok Sabha

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has tabled bill for 10 percent reservation for economically weaker upper caste sections in Lok Sabha.

1 pm IST

Send DNA technology bill to Standing Committee, urges Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor says DNA technology bill must be sent to Standing Committee of Parliament before being made into law.

12.55 pm IST

Govt should not have right to keep DNA details forever: Tharoor

Govt should not have right to keep DNA details forever, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

12.50 pm IST

Is govt waiting for SC to rap them on knuckles again? asks Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor raises questions on DNA technology bill, asks if govt is waiting for SC to rap them on the knuckles again.

12.10 pm IST

Various MPs raise opposition against Trade union bill

Various MPs, including Congress’s Shashi Tharoor, raise opposition against Trade union bill

11.50 pm IST

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

Rajya Sabha was on Tuesday adjourned till 2 p.m., minutes after it met for the day. Samajwadi Party members protested amid reports that the CBI might quiz former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in an illegal-mining case .

11.40 am IST

TMC MPs protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill

 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in the Parliament premises.

All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in the Parliament premises. pic.twitter.com/SHzSRIj6SE

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

11.20 am IST

Govt to set up 5 National Sports Centre for specially abled children

Minister of social justice and empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot responds to questions on creating awareness and encouraging specially abled children to take part in games and sports activities. “Government has decided to set up 5 National Sports Centres for specially-abled children, that will have various special facilities,” he says.

11.10 am IST

Issue of illegal fishing along Indian coasts raised

MPs raise issue of illegal deep sea fishing along Indian coasts in Lok Sabha. Agriculture and farmers welfare minister Radha Mohan Singh responds.

11 am IST

MPs protest Citizenship Amendment Bill

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in the Parliament premises. 

Delhi: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016 in the Parliament premises. pic.twitter.com/EGXVq78lxJ

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019

Most northeastern parties including the allies of BJP, opposition Congress and Left parties have strongly opposed the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, saying “the Bill is against the fundamental aspect of the Indian constitution”.