Andalib Akhter / AMN
Opposition parties today stalled proceedings in the Rajya Sabha on the issue of proposed reconstitution of various Commissions dealing with Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and Backward Classes.
The House was adjourned six times before adjournment for the day. This is for the second day the issue was raised in the House. The situation was no different when the House re-assembled at 3 PM after its 6th adjournment, Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party said that they will not allow the House to function until the government reconstitutes the Commissions. He alleged that the Ministers have misled the House.
Before adjourning the House for the day, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien suggested that the House can take up a discussion on appointments in the Commissions at 2 PM tomorrow. He said today, the House can dispose of the Finance Bill, 2017.
Earlier, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is committed for the uplift of backward classes. He said the process of selecting Chairmen of the Commissions, was delayed due to elections in five states. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said the government has appointed Nanda Kumar Sai as Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
He said the selection process for other Commissions is underway. He said the policy and intention of the government is very clear. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the government should make it clear when the process will be completed in the Commission.