SC/ST govt job promotions quota bill moved in Rajya Sabha amid high drama

Amid high drama, the controversial bill to provide quota to SCs/STs in government job promotions was finally taken up in the Rajya Sabha and it got support from various parties including BJP.

Moving the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said it is important in the backdrop of backwardness of the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes and their inadequate representation in government jobs.

With an aim of garnering maximum support, government has incorporated some crucial elements like 22 per cent cap on promotions for which consideration of Annual Confidential Report (ACR) will be crucial.

The bill, which is strongly opposed by Samajwadi Party, got conditional support from BJP and clear cut backing from some other parties like BSP, CPI-M, CPI, Trinamool Congress and JD-U. However, Shiv Sena did not support the bill.

Voting on the bill, which will require two-third support for its passage, is expected to take place on Monday.

The Upper House witnessed high drama when two SP members were directed to leave the House for causing disruptions over the quota bill, leading to arguments and counter-arguments before all members of the party walked out.

After the walkout by SP members, proceedings of the House went on smoothly.

Trouble started just before the bill was moved by Narayanasamy for consideration and passing, in the third attempt in the last four days.

He said agitations are going in some states and bill is aimed at removing injustice to the deprived categories.

The government will consider the efficiency in services part of the bill, he said.

The question of efficiency was raised by Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley, who initiated the debate on the bill.

The BJP leader asked the government to make changes so that the bill did not create reverse discrimination.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Mayweather too hot

China incursion: Both sides withdraw troops from Daulat Beg Oldi sector

Sonia Gandhi consults A K Antony on Pawan Bansal issue

Coalgate probe: No accused or suspect let off, says CBI chief Ranjit Sinha