Question : BACKLOG OF RESERVED VACANCIES

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(a) whether `backlog / carried forward 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 the backlog / carried forward vacancies ascertained in respect of SCs, STs and OBCs in Group A, B, C and D categories of services as on 29th August, 1997 in the Ministry of Commerce when Special Recruitment Drives etc. meant for filling such vacancies were stopped; (

(c) the year-wise such carried forward vacancies filled during the last three years and those which remain unfilled; and (

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

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY )

( a ) : In terms of guidelines issued by Department of Personnel and Training vide their O.M.No.36012/5/97-Estt( Res) Vol.II, dated 20.7.2000 ceiling of 50% on filling up of reserved vacancies would apply only on the reserved vacancies which arise in the current year and the backlog / carried forward reserved vacancies for Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribes of earlier years would be treated as a separate distinct group and would not be subject to any ceiling. Further, Department of Personnel & Training have clarified that the provisions of the said O.M.dated 20.7.2000 do not apply to the vacancies reserved for Other Backward Classes.

( b ) to ( d ) : Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.