Bill to make SC/ST quota in civil services a 'statutory right'

Bill to make SC/ST quota in civil services a 'statutory right'

New Delhi, Dec 22: The Government on Monday introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha to make reservation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in civil services under the Central government a statutory right instead of the provision being implemented through "administrative instructions".

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Minister of State in the PMO Prithviraj Chavan moved the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, 2008 in the Rajya Sabha, to enact a legislation which aims to "instill greater confidence" among members of the SC and ST communities.

"At present, administrative instructions issued by the Central government from time to time, provide reservation of appointments or posts for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in civil services," the statement of objects and reasons of the bill said.

The bill seeks to make this a "statutory right" backing the instructions, it said adding, the bill aims to meet the "constitutional goal of securing justice, liberty and equality for all citizens and in promoting fraternity among them."

Chavan also withdrew the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, 2004 amid a din which broke out in the Upper House on the issue of Minority Affairs Minister A R Antulay.

The Rajya Sabha also passed the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Union Territories) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2007 which relates to giving ST status to the children of the inhabitants of Lakshadweep who have been residing elsewhere in India.

All residents of Lakshadweep have been given ST status in view of their socio-economic backwardness arising out of isolation from the mainland.