RS clears bill in favour of backward classes

NEW DELHI: A bill to provide for statutory backing to instructions on reservation of posts in civil services for members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, 2004 was introduced by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachouri.

Sensitive to the need for providing adequate representation for SCs, STs and OBCs in civil services and posts under the control of Central Government, the Centre resolved to enact a Reservation Act to codify instructions on reservation, the statement of objects and reasons of the bill said.

At present, administrative instructions issued by the Centre, from time to time, provide for reservation to SCs, STs and OBCs in civil services and posts under the control of the Central Government, it said.

The bill seeks to provide statutory backing to instructions on reservation so as to elevate provisions of the reservation to a statutory right and instill greater confidence among members of SCs, STs and OBCs.