The State Government’s recent directive on reservation has made promotions in different ranks under the SC/ST category uncertain.
Candidates appointed under the SC/ST category are only entitled to get promoted in the posts reserved for them. Even if they are in the top of seniority list, promotions can only be granted if slots are available in the unreserved category, as argued by the State Government in a court recently.
However, the Government clarified that those in the SC/ST category can be promoted in unreserved positions if they clear competitive examinations securing high marks.
If the court accepts Government’s argument, junior employees under the unreserved category would be able to get promotion, which would be a major jolt to senior officials.
While those against the reservation policy have lauded the State Government’s argument, resentment is brewing among the SC/ST category employees.
Presently, employees are given promotion at the State Secretariat on the basis of the Government’s recent argument. But the same is not the case with other offices. Several cases have been filed in courts against the Government’s decision regarding providing promotions to SC/ST employees.
Meanwhile, some Assistant Section Officers (ASO) under the SC category filed cases opposing government’s latest decision. However, the Government firmly said the ASOs were appointed in the SC/ST category as per the existing reservation law and not on merit.
Earlier, the Government in its argument in the High Court regarding a reservation issue had stated that Odisha provides more facilities under the quota system in Government jobs. As per the Constitutional system, on the basis of population, the Union Government has provided a 15-per cent reservation for SCs and 7.5 per cent for STs in the service sector.
In Odisha, 16.25 per cent and 22.5 per cent reservations have been made for SCs and STs, respectively. Following the Supreme Court’s directive restricting the reservation percentage to 50, the State Government has reduced the reservation for the SEBCs to 11.25 per cent.
On the other hand, there is no place for general or unreserved employees in the Government service. As per the rule, if a reserved candidate is eligible on the basis of seniority and other criteria, he/she can be appointed or promoted in an unreserved seat, said a source in the SC/ST Development Department.
While the GA Department agreed with the Government’s directive and opinion, the Home Department had a different view on the matter which it put forward in the High Court and the SAT. Now, all eyes are on the court’s directive.