Question

Consider the following statements about the 102nd Constitutional Amendment:

I. It was introduced as the 123rd Amendment Bill by Thawar Chand Gehlot.

II. It amended Article 366 to define "socially and educationally backward classes."

III. The amendment came into force during the presidency of Ram Nath Kovind.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. I and II only,
• B. II only
• C. I, II, and III
• D. I and III only

Answer 1

Answer:

D. I and III only

102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018

• Statement I: Correct. The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted in 2018. The bill that led to this amendment was indeed introduced as the 123rd Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha by Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, the then Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• Statement II: Incorrect. While the amendment is related to the identification of backward classes, it did not amend Article 366 to define "socially and educationally backward classes." Instead, it inserted Article 338-B to provide for the creation of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and gave it constitutional status. It also amended Article 342-A, which deals with the power of the President to specify socially and educationally backward classes for a state or union territory.

• Statement III: Correct. The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act received the assent of the President on August 11, 2018, and came into force on the same date. Ram Nath Kovind was the President of India at that time.

• Key Provisions:

  • Gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).

  • Empowered the President to notify the socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) for any given state or union territory.

  • Stipulated that states would need Parliament's approval to alter the list of SEBCs.

• Significance: This amendment aimed to streamline the process of identifying and including socially and educationally backward classes in the central and state lists, ensuring greater clarity and constitutional backing for the NCBC.