RS passes SC/ST Bill, supplementary demands without debate

New Delhi, December 21

Rajya Sabha unanimously passed amendments to prevention of atrocities act against scheduled caste and scheduled tribes on Monday after political parties agreed to clear several pending in the House.

The Bill, called the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, was passed in within minutes of being taken up without debate. Two appropriation Bill having supplementary demands to meet government expenditure were also passed similarly.

Earlier in the day, when the house reassembled after having adjourned four times, the Opposition criticised the government's decision to table the Juvenile Justice Bill as a supplementary agenda.

"We have said that we want to pass the SC/ST Bill at the all-party meeting, I had said that the Juvenile Justice Bill should be tabled. But it was not on today’s agenda. However, the government has put it in the supplementary business because of media reports. It is a ruse to shame the Opposition by saying that we had presented (the Bill) but the Opposition objected to it," Azad said, adding that discussions on the Bill could be taken up on Tuesday.

"This is being done only so that the media and public criticise us. Don't use the House to play the media," Azad said.

Poltical parties agreed on Friday to pass several Bills pending in the Rajya Sabha. There is however no consensus on the Goods and Services Tax. — PTI