Question : BACKLOG OF RESERVED VACANCIES

(a) whether `backlog vacancies` reserved for SCs, STs and OBCs are required to be treated as a separate and distinct group as provided under Article 16(4) B of the Constitution to overcome 50% ceiling limit on vacancies to be reserved in an year;

(b) if so, indicate `backlog vacancies` ascertained as per para 5 of the DOPT OM No.36012/2/96-Estt. (Res) dated July 2, 1997 in respect of (1) SCs (2)STs and OBCs in Group A, B, C and D categories of services as on August 29, 1997 in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises when Special Recruitment Drives etc. meant for filling such vacancies were stopped;

(c) the year-wise such backlog vacancies filled during the last four years and those which remain unfilled; and

(d) the fresh vacancies/posts accrued to reserved classes in all categories of posts during the last four years as per `post based rosters`?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (DR. VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA)

(a) As per instructions issued by Govt. vide Deptt. of Personnel & Training OM No. 36012/5/97-Estt. Vol. II dated 20.7.2000 in pursuant to incorporation of Article 16(4B) of the Constitution, the ceiling of 50% on filling of reserved vacancies in a year would apply only to current vacancies and the backlog vacancies reserved for SC/ST would be treated as a separate and distinct group and would not be subject to any ceiling. However, provisions of O.M. dated 20.7.2000 do not apply to the vacancies reserved for OBCs.

(b) to (d) Cadre Control in respect of all Group `A` posts under the two Departments of this Ministry viz. Department of Heavy Industry and Department of Public Enterprises, is with the Department of Personnel and Training. In respect of all Group `B` and `C` posts, cadre control is with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, except in respect of 57 Group A, B, C and D posts of various categories for which cadre control is vested with the Department of Public Enterprises. Department of Heavy Industry controls the cadre of its Group `D` employees only. There was no backlog as well as no fresh vacancy has arisen during the last four years in the reserved category in these posts for which Cadre Control vests with Department of Heavy Industry and Department of Public Enterprises.