Amid tussle, NCSC panel to probe Centre’s de-reservation proposals, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has decided to comprehensively review all de-reservation proposals from the Central government over the last three years.
• This decision comes amidst an ongoing "tussle" between the NCSC and the Centre regarding the de-reservation of Union government quota posts, particularly in promotion vacancies.
• De-reservation is the practice of filling a reserved vacancy as an unreserved one, permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
• The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) recently revised its procedure, doubling the time for National Commissions for SCs and STs to object to de-reservation proposals from two weeks to one month.

Detailed Insights:

• The NCSC aims to examine "recurring issues" in de-reservation proposals and formulate recommendations for effective implementation of the reservation policy.
• Regulations issued by the DoPT generally ban de-reservation, with specific exceptions for direct recruitment vacancies in Group 'A' services if they "cannot be allowed to remain vacant in public interest".
• For direct recruitment, de-reservation proposals must be examined by the relevant National Commissions (SCs, STs, or OBCs), a Committee of Secretaries, and finally approved by the Minister of Personnel and Training.
• In promotion vacancies, the concerned recruiting Department or Ministry has the final say, though they must submit proposals to the National Commissions and DoPT.
• The NCSC has previously flagged proposals for being incomplete and lacking details on alternative efforts to fill reserved posts.
• The NCSC is a constitutional body established under Article 338 to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• De-reservation: The process of converting a reserved post to an unreserved one when suitable candidates from the reserved category are not found.
• National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): A constitutional body under Article 338 responsible for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes.
• Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): The nodal agency of the Government of India for personnel management, including recruitment, training, and staff welfare.
• Reservation Policy: An affirmative action policy in India to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged sections of society in education and employment.
• Group 'A' services: The highest tier of civil services in India, comprising prestigious positions central to governance and administration.