Extension of SC, ST Quota – Free PDF Download

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As per Article 368 of the constitution,
It will be effected by special majority and ratification by at least one half of state legislatures.
Special majority requires ratification by two-third members present at the voting.
At the time of voting, more than 50% of the total strength of the house should be present.
With approval of both the Houses, the bill would now be sent to states for ratification by 50% of the assemblies before it comes into force.

ABOUT THE AMENDMENT

The Indian Constitution provides for reservation of seats for the SC and ST community and representation of the Anglo-Indian community in form of nomination in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies of the states.
The provision was included for 10 years since the enactment of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
Later it was extended after every constitutional amendment First time it was done through 8^thCAA.
The Constitution (126th) Amendment Bill seeks to extend the reservation quota for the SC and ST community by another 10 years, till January 25, 2030.
The bill, however, does not propose an extension of reservation quota for the Anglo-Indian community, which is also set to expire on January 25.

The extension of the ST-SC quota in the legislatures is being considered significant-
To retain the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution
To encourage the growth of more new political leaders from the two communities.

India currently has 84 MPs from the Scheduled Caste community and 47 MPs from the Scheduled Tribe community out of 543 seats.
In the state assemblies, there are 614 scheduled caste MLAs and 554 scheduled tribe MLAs out of 4120 seats.

So the makers of our constitution thought of a special system of reserved constituencies for the weaker sections.
The number of reserved seats is in proportion to their share in total population.
Thus the reserved seats for SC and ST do not take away the legitimate share of any other social group.
IS THERE A NEED FOR CHANGE IN RESERVATION POLICY?