Bill on SC/ST promotion quota passed in Assembly

The Legislative Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a bill to circumvent a recent Supreme Court order striking down the consequential seniority in promotions awarded to SC/ST employees.

While the BJP and the JD(S) raised some technical points pertaining to the bill, there was no opposition per se - obviously all parties wanting to keep their Dalit vote bank happy in an election year.

Piloting the bill on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said suitable amendment has been brought to section 5 and 9 of the Act to ensure justice is rendered to the employees.

Around 3,000 SC/ST employees working in 63 government departments will face demotions if the apex court order is implemented. Karnataka introduced reservation in promotions for the SC/ST employees in April 1978.  Around 100 supernumerary posts will be created to provide promotions to non-SC/ST employees, he said.