Govt to decide on promotion quota scrapped by SC

Significantly, BSP chief Mayawati, who returned to Rajya Sabha a few days back, was accorded a special privilege of raising the issue during the Question Hour which was accordingly delayed by about 10 minutes.

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, in her debut speech during the current term, demanded that the Centre should bring a Constitutional amendment bill during the ongoing session of Parliament to provide for reservation to SC and ST government employees in promotions.

The top Court last week quashed UP government's decision to provide reservation benefits for SCs, STs and OBCs in promotions saying the state failed to furnish sufficient valid data to justify the move to promote employees on caste basis.

In the Lok Sabha, the issue was raised by Congress member P L Punia who said the Supreme Court verdict has "created certain confusion" and wanted the government to seek a clarification from the apex court.

He received support from several members in the House from various parties.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of State in PMO V Narayanasamy said discussions were on between the Ministries of Law and Justice, and Social Justice and Empowerment and the government "will take immediate decision" in the matter.