Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14 2010:
Both the Ruling and the Opposition benches of the Manipur Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed the Indian Constitution's 109th Amendment Bill, 2009 today.
The Bill had already been passed by both Houses of the Parliament.
Introducing the Bill and the discussion on its passing, Law Minister Th Debendra pointed out that the Bill aims to extend the benefit of the reservation being provided to Anglo Indians, SC/ST for the last 60 years by another 10 years.
Since the Bill is to be submitted to the President for her assent after one half of the Indian States rectify it, it should be passed by the Assembly, the Law Minister urged the members.
Participating in the discussion, MLA O Joy observed that Opposition has no objection to the passing of the Bill as its term is going to expire.
Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam also said that the Bill should be passed as it would benefit the SC/ST and Anglo Indian communities after enactment into Act.
Later, the House unanimously passed the Bill.