Private Bill making jobs fundamental right rejected in Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha on Friday rejected a private members bill that sought to make the Right to Employment a fundamental right. The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (insertion of new article 16A) — moved for consideration by Bishambar Nishad — was rejected by the House with 18 members voting in favour of the Bill and 21 members voting against it.

The voting for the Bill was necessitated as Nishad refused to withdraw his Bill despite assurances by Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State (Independent charge) that the government was taking a number of steps to generate employment in the country, including granting loans to small and medium enterprises.

The Bill sought to make employment, a right for anyone who is above 18 years of age. It stipulated that if a person is unable to get employment, he/she should get unemployment benefits as a fundamental right.

While arguing in favour of the bill, Nishad said that employment should be made a right because if the youth does not get employment, they join terror groups and get involved in various crimes.

He also sought the assurance from members that any suggestions he gives in the direction of providing employment in the country should be acceptable to the government.

However, Nishad expressed dissatisfaction with the assurances give by Gangwar.

98 BILLS INTRODUCED

• As many as 98 private members’ bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday, including one to constitute a board for protection and control of stray cows