State govt. may declare ordinance for quota in promotions for SC/ST employees

Bengaluru: The State government is expected to promulgate an ordinance to give reservation in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees.

Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, who headed the Cabinet panel to study the issue of granting reservation in promotions to SC/ST employees, said the government was considering issuing the ordinance to provide justice to employees. The State Cabinet panel had earlier held detailed discussions on a report submitted to the government by Additional Chief Secretary Rathna Prabha on the issue.

This comes in the backdrop of a Supreme Court order that struck down reservation in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees. Thimmappa said the Law Department has been asked to draft a Bill to provide reservation for SC/ST employees.

The ordinance route was taken to escape the wrath of the Supreme Court. The Cabinet meeting, which would be held on Monday, will take a decision on issuing the ordinance, the minister said.The State has had reservation in promotions for SC/ST employees since 1978, 15% for SCs and 3% for STs which has been struck down by the apex court.

The issue has political implications in poll-bound Karnataka, with Dalit groups demanding that the government find ways to circumvent the order.The Revenue Minister said there was no proposal before the government to denotify 1,500 tanks/lakes in the state.