Removal of reservation in promotion to SC/STs would result in worker unrest: Centre to SC

By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Central Government in an affidavit filed earlier than the Supreme Court has mentioned that quashing of reservation in promotion to Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes staff in authorities jobs might result in worker unrest and “multiple litigation”. 

The Centre has added that requisite train has been undertaken to gather quantifiable information on SCs and STs as a way to confirm their inadequacy of representations in posts beneath the Central authorities.

The high court docket was coping with a batch of petitions referring to reservations. The Union authorities has added that the coverage for reservation is in consonance with the Constitution and the regulation laid down by the highest court docket.

“In case the aforesaid SLPs are not allowed, it would necessitate withdrawal of the benefits in promotion and own merit promotion granted to SC employees. This may lead to reversion of ST and SC employees, refixation of their salaries including refixation of pension of many employees who may have retired in the meantime, recovery of excess salaries/pensions so paid to them. This would result in multiple litigation and employee unrest.” The affidavit reads.

“As per the data furnished by the ministries/department, more than four and a half lakh employees were given promotions in group B and group C during 2007-2020… Since the policy is also related Central Public Service Undertaking, Public sector banks, public insurance companies and organisations under Government of India, SC/STs employees in these organisations may face similar consequences of reversions to lower posts, reduction in pension/family pension, recovery of over payment from many employees a few who may have died, alterations in seniority etc. Thus not allowing the aforesaid SLPs regarding restorations of OMs regarding reservation in promotion and promotion of SC/STs employees on own merit would have widespread consequences.” It added.

The apex court docket had earlier directed the Union authorities to file an affidavit on the contemporaneous information that’s accessible to the federal government together with “application of mind” on information for offering reservation in promotion to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in authorities jobs.

The high court docket on January 28 had refused to “lay down any yardstick” for granting reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in authorities jobs saying dedication of their insufficient illustration is the discretion of the State.

(With Inputs From Agencies)