The panel demanded reservations for SC and ST in excise and public works departments
SC|ST joint House committee mooting for quota in sanction of license for bar
In a first, the SC| ST joint House committee on Monday recommended extension of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in excise and public works departments, even mooting a quota in sanction of licences for bars and restaurants, mining and civil contracts.In addition, the committee suggested that the government lower the bar to facilitate those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to advance in their career, and earmark a percentage of jobs even for those hired on contract basis.
Speaking to media persons here, chairman of SC/ST welfare joint House committee, P. M. Narendra Swamy, observed that the primary objective of the reservation system was to increase opportunities and enhance the social and educational status of those belonging to underprivileged communities and thus ensure that they join the mainstream. “In order to fulfill these objectives, the committee has made recommendations which are part of affirmative action. For instance, there has been no reservation system while granting a licence to open a bar, a wine store or a bar and restaurant.
If the state government implements this suggestion, no less than 1,500 licences can be issued to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Similarly, one can imagine if the mines and geology department issues mining licences to members of these communities,” he added.
He explained “reservations exist in politics in order to provide opportunities for members belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Similarly, the Union government and state governments, labour force, schools, colleges, and other public institutions, have reservations. Sanction of licences to members of these underprivileged communities is part of fulfilling one the objectives of constitutional obligations. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had made such an announcement in his budget speech," he added and released extracts of the budget to buttress his statement.
He said the state government should implement a quota system while hiring employees on contract basis.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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