Committee established need for quota policy

Much of the credit for Friday’s SC order goes to one-man committee of the then Additional Chief Secretary K Ratna Prabha. The committee, set up in
April 2017, not only established inadequacy in the representation of SC/ST communities in the government and their backwardness but proved that the promotion policy had not affected the overall efficiency.

As per the committee’s report, SC employees form 10.65% and STs form 2.92% of the total staff strength of the state government. It should be 15% SCs and 3% as per the reservation quota. The total staff strength of the government is 5.23 lakh.

On backwardness, the report has given detailed statistics on landholdings, literacy and sanitation levels and economic status of the two communities.

Report in a month

The panel submitted its report in a month to the government, enabling it to quickly file a reviving petition in the court.

“It is a historical judgement that has brought cheers to SCs and STs. It will benefit SCs and STs across the country. I am happy that the SC has
recognised the work of the panel and provided justice,” Ratna Prabha, who is now retired from service, said. She had also served as Chief Secretary.