New Delhi, March 11 There is no data available regarding the disproportionately low representation of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes at the joint secretary level and above positions in the government, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
According to government policy, SCs and STs are provided with reservation in promotion up to the lowest rung of Group A at a rate of 15 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.
In response to the question "whether the representation of SC/ST is disproportionately low at the joint secretary level and above," he said, "Data on this matter is not maintained."
To ensure the implementation of reservation policies, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued instructions requesting all ministries/departments, including organizations under them, to designate an officer, at least of the rank of deputy secretary, as a liaison officer for matters related to SC/ST, Singh said.
"Ministries/departments are also required to establish a reservation cell under the direct control of the liaison officer to assist him in effectively discharging his duties. Instructions have also been issued to the ministries/departments to convene DPCs well in advance so that vacancies are filled in a timely manner," the minister said.
According to the data available with ministries/departments, the overall representation of SCs and STs as of January 1, 2025, is more than 15 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively, he added.