SC/ST Quota Bill: Government may amend Constitution if needed, says Narayanasamy

The all-party meet called in by the government on Tuesday evening to discuss the SC/ST Quota Bill failed to arrive at a consensus. While the Centre has deferred the Bill for now, it says it would bring in a Constitutional amendment to pass it if needed.

“The government is in favour of reservation for the SC and the ST in jobs. If there is any need, we will bring in Constitutional amendment,” said MoS PMO V Narayanasamy.

The SC/ST Quota Bill envisages quota-based promotions for SC/ST candidates in government jobs.

The Opposition vehemently opposed it. The BJP demanded that they be shown the Bill first before anything else.

The Samajwadi Party too has lashed out at the Centre saying that while reservation of jobs for SC/ST and OBC candidates was fine, reservations in promotions would not be such a good idea.

Said party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, “We agree with the decision of the High Court. There should be reservation for jobs, but no reservation for promotions.”

Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati, however, is in support of the Bill.

She said, “I have asked the Prime Minister to bring the issue to Parliament, and pass the amendment without delay. A delay will be a big problem for the minorities. The PM has told me he will introduce the issue in Parliament.”

Reservations for promotions may be a very problematic move, nevertheless with 2014 General Elections looming large, the government insists that it is committed to bring the constitutional amendment that would be technically and legally sound.

However, this will involve a tightrope walk for the government between two friends, the SP and the BSP.