And the reason is not far to seek. Take the Surat Municipal Corporation for instance. Seven senior posts, which fall under Section 44 of the BPMC Act, have been lying vacant for years. That these posts reserved for ST/SC candidates could not be filled because of ``non-availability of suitable candidates,'' is merely an excuse, says a senior official, requesting anonymity.

The reason why these posts have not been filled is the ``anti-SC/ST mentality of a section of officials and the elected wing, who do not want to appoint a SC/ST,'' the official alleges, adding the attitude prevails in almost all civic bodies of Gujarat.

``We have a feeling that these posts might be dereserved. And even if they are not dereserved, the municipal commissioner will appoint someone who is known to him,'' he alleges.

In fact, his apprehensions are not unfounded. Citing an instance, he says this happened in the deputy commissioner's (special) post. The post, reserved for ST candidate, is lying vacant since 1994. The official explanation for not filling the post is that no suitable candidates have applied. ``We did advertise for the post, but found no suitable candidate. We cannot relax the educational qualifications, which is why the post has been lying vacant and we have had to manage with an in-charge,'' standing committee member Bakul Patel told Express Newsline.

However, the official says this is just a part of the story. In fact, political interference and pressure has been brought on the civic chief and the recruitment committee. He alleges that a few months ago, when interviews were conducted for the post, the committee deliberately did not select anyone, just to see that Pradipsinh Zala continued holding the post for one more year. He was appointed by the Sankersinh Vaghela government, on fomer commissioner S R Rao's recommendation, he claims.

One of the applicants for the post was C J Gamit, assistant commissioner (personnel) who was more qualified than Zala in terms of experience. Even he was rejected, he says, claiming many SC/ST employees and ST/SC councillors had raised a hue and cry about the issue.

Officers belonging to SC/ST category, who are aspirants for these posts in the SMC, however, fear that after the government's directive to fill vacant posts, the posts may be dereserved on the ground that suitable candidates could not be found.

Currently, besides the post of the deputy commissioner (special), the posts of additional city engineer, bridge engineer, drainage engineer, solid waste manager, zonal officer and law officer are lying vacant in the SMC.