- The Constitution provides for reservation of seats for SCs and STs and representation of the Anglo-Indian community by nomination, in LokSabha and Legislative Assemblies of states. This has been provided for a period of 70 years since the enactment of the Constitution and will expire on January 25, 2020.
- The Bill seeks to extend the reservation for SCs and STs by another 10 years till January 25, 2030. However the reservation for Anglo-Indians in the form of nomination is set to expire on January 25 as the bill does not extend the facility to the community.
- With approval of both the Houses, the bill would now be sent to states for ratification by 50% of the assemblies before it comes into force.
- Art 330 and Art 332 provides for reservation of seats for the SCs and the STs in the House of People and Legislative Assemblies of the States and Art 331 and Art 333 provides for representation of the Anglo Indian community in the House of People and Legislative Assemblies of the States by nomination.
- According to Art 334(a), reservation of seats for SC and ST in the House of People and Legislative Assembly shall cease after 70 years. Similarly, according to Art 334(b), representation by nomination for Anglo-Indian community shall cease after 70 years from commencement of the constitution.
- Art 334 is being amended in accordance with procedure laid down in Art 368(2).
