BJP MP asks govt to deny quota benefits to converted STs

Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey of BJP demanded on Wednesday that the Centre make provisions to deny the benefits of reservation to those members of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) who have converted to Christianity or Islam. He also urged the Centre to come out with an affidavit in this regard, just as it recently filed an affidavit in the apex court against extending reservation benefits to the Dalit community members who have converted to Christianity and Islam stating there are no concepts of backwardness or oppression in these religions.

While raising the demand during zero hour, Dubey also referred to SC's recent observation that forced religious conversion "is a serious issue". "What is applicable to the Article 342 provisions for verifying/classifying who all are SCs should be made applicable to Article 341 regarding STs) in this context." He alleged that "conversions of Scheduled Caste members are taking place in Jharkhand, Odisha and many other states".

Scrap remission benefits for Rapists


BSP MP Dansih Ali demanded that the Centre amend the laws to erase the provisions for remission of rape convicts serving life terms. He criticised the recent incident of remission granted to 11 convicts serving lifer in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case on the grounds of their "good conduct" in the jail and said it could set a wrong precedent.

Restore Maulana Azad Fellowships

SP MP Shafiqur Barq demanded restoration of Maulana Azad Fellowships for minority students. He said cancellation of the fellowships is causing hardships to students from poor families.