Question : RESERVATION BILL FOR OBCs

(a) whether the Government has proposed to introduce separate reservation bill for OBCs in line with reservation bill for SCs and STs;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the recommendations in the report of Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, 2005 headed by Thiru E.M.S. Natchiappan, MP have been examined;

(d) if so, the details of recommendations regarding reservations for the SCs/STs/OBCs;

(e) whether the Government has accepted the recommendations made in this regard; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister`s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) & (b): Government has not taken any decision about introduction of Reservation Bill for the OBCs.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The Parliamentary Committee made recommendations like separate Bills for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes; inserting suitable penal provision in the Bill; extending reservation to OBCs in promotion; inclusion of Reservation Act in the Ninth schedule of the Constitution etc.

(e) & (f): On the recommendation of a Group of Ministers, the Government had accepted the recommendations regarding separate Bills - one for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and another for the Other Backward Classes; incorporation of provision of penalty for officers who fail to implement the provisions of proposed Act etc.