BJP plans stir over denial of SC/ST quota in promotions
SHIMLA: The decision of Congress government in the state not to give reservation to SC/ST employees in promotions as per the Constitution (85{+t}{+h} Amendment) Act of 2001 has snowballed into a political controversy ahead of parliamentary elections. While the state government has decided not to grant promotions to members of SC/ST categories as per the Act, the BJP has claimed that after Narendra Modi forms the government at Centre, these benefits would be restored. The party also plans to gherao the state assembly on the issue.
Senior BJP leader and former Lahaul-Spiti MLA Dr Ram Lal Markanda told mediapersons here on Sunday that SC/ST population constitutes around 32% of total population of state as per 2011 census and denial of benefits would cost the Congress party dear in the state. “Narendra Modi is set to become the Prime Minister and we would ensure that due benefits to SC/ST employees in the state are provided through the next BJP government at the Centre,” he added.
“Disposing of a case, the Supreme Court had observed that promotions should be granted considering cadre strength and backlog. But in Himachal Pradesh, instead of considering the backlog and cadre strength, government has denied these benefits while filling the posts,” he added.
In a communication dated October 30, 2013, on the issue of implementation of Contstitution (85{+t}{+h} Amendment) Act, 2001 and assignment of seniority to SC/ST government servants on promotion by virtue of reservation, principal secretary (personnel) S K B S Negi had stated that the matter was under the consideration of government for the past some time.
“As per the directions of apex court, the matter has been considered. Keeping in view the quantifiable data collected by the state, showing the overall representation of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the services of the state and constitutional provisions thereof , the state is of the opinion that enabling provisions of the Constitution (85{+t}{+h} Amendment) Act, 2001 are not required to be implemented in the state,” it said.
The communication further said that in view of the above, reservation in promotion to members of SC/ST categories as per the Constitution (85{+t}{+h} Amendment) Act, 2001 may not be granted. “These instructions may be followed in letter and spirit and brought to the notice of all concerned for strict compliance,” he added.
Markanda said that the previous BJP government was preparing to give benefits in promotions to SC/ST employees as per the Act and had constituted a committee in this regard. “But before a final decision could be taken, assembly polls were held and Congress came to power. A statewide agitation would be launched on the issue in the coming days,” he said.
He said that population of Himachal Pradesh is 68,64,602, of which SC population is 17,29,252 which is 25.5% of total population, while ST population is 4,18,126 which is 6.05% of total population. “The Congress government is misleading people on the issue. On one hand, it has denied benefits in promotion, while on the other, it has formed a committee to look into the matter,” he added.
Source: The Times of India
