Will govt move SC on promotion quota?

New Delhi: The government today informed the Lok Sabha that it would soon take a decision on whether to intervene in the Supreme Court on the issue providing reservation benefits to SCs, STs and OBCs in promotions. Responding to concerns expressed by members during Zero Hour, Minister of State in PMO V Narayanasamy said discussions were being carried out between the Ministries of Law and Justice, and Social Justice and Empowerment and the government “will take immediate decision” in the matter. [caption id=“attachment_293223” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Reuters”]  [/caption] Raising the issue, PL Punia (Cong) referred to the recent Supreme Court judgment which termed the move to grant reservation in promotions as “unconstitutional” and asked the government to seek a clarification from the apex court by moving a writ petition on the M Nagaraj case. He said the recent Supreme Court verdict has “created certain confusion” with regard to grant of reservation in promotions to higher government posts. Punia received support from several members in the House from various parties. Narayanasamy said the government, which had twice earlier brought amendments to the law, had referred the issue to the Law and Justice Ministry. “Discussions are going on and we will decide on what further course of action” needs to be taken on the matter," he said, adding that the suggestion given by Punia would also be considered. Terming the move as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court last week quashed Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to provide reservation benefits for SCs, STs and OBCs in promotions in jobs saying it was done without sufficient data. PTI