New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 seeking to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the state

of Chhattisgarh to include certain communities as well as addition of synonyms of communities in the existing list.

The bill includes Dhanuhar, Kisan, Kond and Saunra among other communities in the list of STs.

Lok Sabha had approved the Bill last December and therefore it would now go for President's assent.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill by voice vote. The opposition parties had earlier staged a walkout.

Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said that the proposed legislation will benefit about 72,000 people in the state of Chhattisgarh.

He noted that as a proportion of the total population this number is not much but the government's objective under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been to ensure that benefits reach the last man standing in the row.

The fourth day of the ongoing Monsoon session continued to witness government-opposition tussle over prevailing situation in Manipur. While the government has agreed for a debate on the issue, opposition parties first want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a comprehensive statement.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar today interacted with Members of Parliament from various political parties to ensure smooth conduct of the House.

UNI NK BM