Promotion and Demotion of SCs and STs

Promotion & Demotion of SCs & STs

The promotion and demotion of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) is a complex issue that has been debated for decades. Historically, SCs and STs have faced discrimination and inequality in the workplace, making it difficult for them to advance professionally. In an effort to address this issue, various policies and programs have been implemented to promote the representation of SCs and STs in higher positions. However, there have also been instances where SCs and STs have been unfairly demoted, often due to prejudice and bias. The ongoing struggle for equality and fair treatment for SCs and STs in the workplace remains a critical issue for India’s social and economic development.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Promotion and demotion of SCs and STs

The Supreme Court in Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.30621/2011 has passed the following order on 17.5.2018:-

“It is directed that the pendency of this Special Leave Petition shall not stand in the way of Union of India taking steps for the purpose of promotion from ‘reserved to reserved’ and ‘unreserved to unreserved’ and also in the matter of promotion on merits..”.

Further, in the matter related to Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.31288/2017 connected to Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No.28306/2017, the Supreme Court held as under on 05.06.2018:-

“Heard learned counsel for the parties, Learned ASG has referred to order dated 17.05.2018 in SLP(C) No.30621/2011. It is made clear that the Union of India is not debarred from making promotions in accordance with law, subject to further orders, pending further consideration of the matter. Tag to SLP (C) No.30621 of 2011.”

Based on interim Orders/directions of the Supreme Court dated 17.05.2018 and 05.6.2018, Department of Personnel and Training vide Office Memorandum No. 36012/11/2016- Estt.(Res-I) {Pt-II} dated 15.06.2018 requested all the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India to carry out promotions in accordance with above directions of the Supreme Court on existing seniority / select lists subject to further orders which may be passed by the Supreme Court. The State Governments were advised to take necessary action in accordance with the above-mentioned orders passed by the Supreme Court.

The respective cadre controlling authorities carry out promotions and data on persons promoted, etc. are maintained by them.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Source: PIB

This is a directive from the Supreme Court of India that allows for the promotion of SCs and STs from ‘reserved to reserved’ and ‘unreserved to unreserved’ categories, as well as for the promotion on merits.

The purpose of this directive is to ensure that SCs and STs have equal opportunity for promotion, no matter their category.

No, there is no age limit for the promotion of SCs and STs.

You can find more information on this directive on the official website of the Supreme Court of India.