The Central Government on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that if the policy of giving reservation in promotion to Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes employees is repealed, then it may create a ruckus. The central government said that during 2007-20, more than 4.5 lakh employees got its benefit under this policy. In such a situation, if any kind of order is given against it, then it can have serious and widespread implications. Employees can create a ruckus.
Let us tell you that this was rejected by the Delhi HC in 2017. Defending its policy, the central government in its affidavit said that it is in accordance with the constitutional provisions laid down by this court. The representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in government jobs is inadequate.
The central government also said that the efficiency of administration was not hampered in any way by giving reservation in promotion to SC and ST employees. The government said its benefit was extended to only those officers who fulfill the criteria and are declared fit.
Presenting the data of 75 ministries and departments, the central government in its affidavit said that the total number of employees is 27,55,430. Of these, 4,79,301 belong to the SC, 2,14,738 from the ST community. Apart from this, the number of OBC employees is 4, 57,148. SC 17.3%, ST 7.7% and OBC 16.5% of the total central government employees in percentage terms.
The central government in its affidavit said, “If the case is not allowed, there will be a need to withdraw the benefits of reservation in promotions given to SC/ST employees. This may lead to re-fixation of salaries of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes employees. Due to this, pension of many employees will also have to be rescheduled. They will also have to recover the additional salary/pension paid. This will lead to many litigations and the employees may create a ruckus.”