Bhubaneswar:

In a bid to ensure reservation to members of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes in contractual appointments, the state government was taking steps to amend the existing Orissa Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (For SC and ST) Act, 1975.

This was stated by ST & SC Development, Minorities Backward Classes Welfare minister L B Himirika in the assembly while replying a debate on an adjournment motion. “A high level committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary was constituted to suggest the state government on the possible amendments,” the minister said. Stating that the government was taking steps to get views of the law and general administration departments on certain issues relating to proposed amendments, Himirika said that an amendment Bill would be introduced in the assembly after getting approval from the cabinet. In order to ensure that the provision of reservation be implemented while making contractual appointments, Himirika said the amended act would also have provision of non- reservation on base posts.

There would be no diversion of posts in event of non-availability of candidates belonging to ST and SC categories, Himirika pointed out that the government might go for special drive to fill up such posts. Earlier, participating in the debate, Congress members alleged that candidates belonging to ST and SC categories were deprived of getting jobs as there was no provision of reservation while making contractual appointments.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com/ by PTI / Aug 26thy, 2011