New Delhi: Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar Monday introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Amendment) Bill 2021 in Lok Sabha. 

The 127th Amendment bill intends to restore the power of the states to identify backward classes — a demand made by several regional parties and even the BJP's OBC leaders.

The new 127th Amendment Bill nullifies the Supreme Court's decision that only the Centre could notify socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs), not the states.

The apex court, in its ruling, upheld the 102nd constitutional amendment. Still, it said the President of India, based on the recommendations of the National Commission for Backward Classes, would determine which communities would be included on the state OBC list. The SC ruling had struck down the Maratha quota introduced by the Maharashtra government.

The Bill will amend Articles 342 A — clauses 1 and 2 — and will introduce clause 342 A (3), specifically authorizing states to maintain their OBC List. There will be a consequential amendment in Articles 366(26C) and 338B (9). States will then be able to directly notify OBC and SEBCs.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said all opposition parties would support the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Amendment) Bill 2021.

At a meeting held Mallikarjun Kharge’s office, various parties spoke about the amendment Bill while trying to finalise their strategy for the remaining part of the session.