Jharkhand can very well justify its decision to grant quota promotions to employees in government belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Not only does it meet Supreme Court’s criteria, rather can argue there’s a woefully inadequate representation at every level.

A three-member committee of Hemant Soren government to study promotion, administrative efficiency and representation of SCs and STs in the creamy layer under government’s services and posts submitted its report on Wednesday last. It noted: the percentage of such employees in relation to the total number holding such posts across the state is 4.45% and 10.04%, respectively–much less than the population ratio of SC and ST (12.08% and 26.20%)”.

Thus, of the 3.01 lakh sanctioned post in 31 major departments, 57,182 posts are to be filled on a promotion basis, while 2.44 lakh posts by direct appointment. It recommended: it’s necessary to continue with reservation policy and ‘any relaxation of existing provision or removal of any clause won’t be justified or desirable and would be against the interest of the community at large.’

What about policy’s impact on overall administrative efficiency?  Data would be more than welcome.

Advertisements | 5E For Success