SC/ST: DoPT report recommends reservation in promotions
In another push to affirmative action, a report by the department of personnel and training (DoPT) has now recommended reservation for scheduled castes and tribes (SC/ST) in promotions. It says such a move is necessary "for equal opportunity and inclusive growth". DoPT was asked to furnish a report in March 2016, after several judicial orders against reservation in promotions.
2016 SC order hindered reservation in promotions
In March'16, the SC refused to make reservations in promotion mandatory. Referring to Articles 16(4), 16(4-A) and 16(4-B), it clarified states were not obligated to give preferential treatment to any community, and it could decide on the basis of "backwardness", "inadequacy of representation", etc.
DoPt report justifies need for reservation
The DoPT report notes that 15% representation for SCs and 7.5% for STs wasn't being achieved in many departments. Prepared in consultation with the attorney general, it also notes that they were much backward - economically, educationally and socially - than other communities. The current scenario justifies affirmative action, it concludes.
