New Delhi: Members of the Rajya Sabha came under criticism from the Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday for the thin attendance in the House when a crucial legislation to provide constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes was passed last evening.

As soon as the House assembled for the day’s proceedings, Naidu observed that 156 members  were present when the Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution amendment bill. “We just scraped through,” Mr Naidu lamented. Rajya Sabha has a total strength of 245. Majority of the members, that is more than half, are required to be present when an amendment to the Constitution is passed. It can be passed only when two-thirds of the members are present and vote in favour.

“Yesterday, we passed a historic bill unanimously,” Mr Naidu said and went on to make his point. “What is the total presence in the House? 156. What is the strength of the House? On such a Constitution amendment where there is unanimity, where there is consensus, and we just scrape through,” he said citing the rule on passage of a Constitution amendment bill.  “We were exactly a little above the mark, that’s all. Otherwise, you can’t get it approved also,” he added.