Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the 102nd Constitutional Amendment?

(i) The 102nd Amendment introduced Article 338B, establishing the National Commission for Backward Classes.

(ii) The 102nd Amendment was passed in the Rajya Sabha before the Lok Sabha.

(iii) Article 342A empowers the President to specify socially and educationally backward classes for a State or Union Territory.

• A. Only (i) and (iii)
• B. Only (i) and (ii)
• C. Only (ii) and (iii)
• D. All the above (i, ii, iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only (i) and (iii)

102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018

• Article 338B: This amendment inserted Article 338B which deals with the powers, duties and functions of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). It grants constitutional status to the NCBC.

• Article 342A: This amendment inserted Article 342A, which empowers the President to specify the socially and educationally backward classes for a State or Union Territory. It also clarifies that Parliament may by law include or exclude any backward class from the list.

• Impact: The amendment aimed to give constitutional recognition and powers to the NCBC, thereby strengthening the provisions for the welfare of backward classes.

• Parliamentary Approval: The 102nd Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2018, and by the Rajya Sabha on August 23, 2018.

• Article 366(26c): The amendment also inserted clause (26c) in Article 366, which defines 'Socially and educationally backward classes'.

• Significance for Competitive Exams: Amendments related to backward classes, commissions, and presidential powers are frequently tested in competitive examinations, especially in the Indian Polity section. Understanding the specific articles inserted or amended and their implications is crucial.