Vijayawada (Journalist File): The All India Equality Forum (AIEF), supported by the BC, OC, and Minority Joint Action Committees, has called for a review of reservations in promotions granted in government jobs since 2011. The organization urged the government to reassess these reservations in accordance with Supreme Court and High Court guidelines to ensure equality across all departments.
Dr. B. Apparao, Andhra Pradesh State President, and K. Srinivas, Secretary of AIEF, alleged that certain leaders of SC employee unions have been misleading employees with claims that reservation benefits for SC/ST employees in promotions are being repealed. They condemned this misinformation as irresponsible, adding that it tarnishes the reputation of officials who are merely enforcing court orders.
The Equality Forum criticized a section of SC/ST employee union leaders for allegedly engaging in unwarranted political allegations against the IAS committee appointed by the government to review the issue of reservation in promotions. The Forum members expressed concern over the spread of false information through the media, calling it unfortunate. They appealed to the government to implement court-directed guidelines promptly without delay.
Misuse of Reservations Alleged
AIEF members highlighted that although the government has stipulated reservation quotas of 15% for SC and 6% for ST employees based on seniority, the representation of SC/ST employees in higher-level promotions has exceeded this quota, affecting other communities. As an example, they pointed out that by August 2020, SC/ST representation in the rank of Additional Secretary in the state secretariat had reached 78%, while in Joint Secretary posts, it was 40%. The Forum emphasized the need for a review of this overrepresentation as per court guidelines.
Violation in Court Order Implementation
The Forum expressed concerns over certain officials disregarding court orders. The High Court had directed the implementation of the "catch-up rule" for promotions in Andhra Pradesh as per Notification No. 638/2024, based on Supreme Court guidelines. However, some officials have allegedly shown negligence in adhering to these instructions, causing disruption in upholding equality in promotions. The Forum insisted that the government take swift steps to ensure justice for all sections of employees.
Warning Against Misinformation Campaigns
The All India Equality Forum, along with its affiliated BC, OC, and Minority Joint Action Committees, warned against irresponsible statements and defamatory campaigns targeting government officials and IAS committee members. They advised that spreading false allegations distorts reality, which is detrimental to achieving equality. The Forum reiterated that a review of reservations based on Supreme Court and High Court directives is essential and urged the government to act immediately.
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