Context:
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, oversees personnel management policies, including the implementation of reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Relevance: GS 2 (Governance).
No Supervisory Authority:
- The DoPT clarified that it lacks the authority to supervise other Ministries in implementing reservation policies for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Action-Taken Report:
- This clarification was included in an action-taken report tabled in Parliament by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of SCs and STs.
Surprise Checks Not Permitted:
- Citing the Transaction of Business Rules, the DoPT stated it cannot conduct surprise checks on reservation rosters, as all government departments are considered equal.
Role of Liaison Officers:
- Liaison officers are responsible for monitoring the implementation of reservation policies across departments due to the vast size of the government structure.
Committee’s Concerns:
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the DoPT’s stance and raised concerns over the effectiveness of liaison officers in ensuring proper implementation.
