The President of India, RamNath Kovind approved the Constitution (127th Amendment) Bill, 2021. After his assent, the bill has changed into the Constitution (105th Amendment) Act, 2021 which will restore the power of states and Union Territories (UTs) to identify and specify Socially and Educationally backward Classes (SEBCs).
- The Constitution 127th Amendment Bill was passed by the Parliament on 11th August, 2021 in the Monsoon Session.
- It has amended articles 338B , 342-A and 366(26C) of the Indian Constitution
Article 338B – It deals with the structure, duties and powers of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
Article 342-A – It empowers the President to notify a particular caste as SEBC and also enables the parliament to change the list
Article 366(26C) – gives the definition for SEBCs
Background
i.Through 102nd constitution Amendment Act of 2018, Articles 338B and 342A were included in the Constitution which removed the power of states and UTs to create their own SEBCs list.
ii.By referring to Article 342-A, the Supreme Court (SC) has barred the Maharashtra government from granting reservations to Marathas and stated that any changes in the SEBCs list can be made only by the Parliament.
Recent Related News
In July 2021, A 3-judge SC bench struck down certain parts of Part IXB of the Indian Constitution. Part IXB was inserted by the Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011. It deals with incorporation, terms of members of board and its office bearers and effective management of cooperative societies.
About National Commission For Backward Classes (NCBC)
It is a constitutional body under Article 338B of the Constitution of India under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Chairman – Bhagwan Lal Sahni
Headquarters – New delhi
