Lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles

Source: The post lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles has been created, based on the article “Ensuring social justice in the bureaucracy” published in “The Hindu” on 17th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Society- social justice and paper2- Governance- mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Context: The article discusses the lack of representation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles. It suggests that age-related barriers prevent them from reaching top positions and proposes a fixed tenure for all civil servants to ensure fairer promotion opportunities.

What Concern Did Rahul Gandhi Raise?

1. Rahul Gandhi, in his July 29, 2024, parliamentary address, pointed out the lack of SC/ST officers involved in the 2024 Budget-making process.
2. He mentioned that only one minority and one OBC officer were part of this important exercise.
3. Gandhi aimed to emphasize the underrepresentation of poor and deprived sections in key government policy-making roles.
4. The Union Finance Minister countered by pointing out the lack of SC/ST representation in the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and Foundation.
5. This response shifted the focus to political blame rather than addressing the core issue of representation in government roles.

What Is the Real Problem?

1. Underrepresentation of SC/ST Officers: There is a significant lack of SC/ST officers in senior government roles, as highlighted by Rahul Gandhi during his parliamentary address on July 29, 2024.
2. Dominance of Upper Castes: Data from December 2022 shows that out of 322 senior officers, only 16 were SC, 13 ST, and 39 OBC, while 254 were from the General category, reflecting upper caste dominance.
3. Age-Related Barriers: SC/ST officers typically join the civil service later due to extended age limits, causing them to retire before reaching senior positions. In contrast, General category officers, who enter earlier, have more time to rise in ranks.
4. No Reservation in Promotions: There is no reservation for promotions in Class A services, further limiting SC/ST officers’ advancement to top roles.

What Should be Done?

1. Increase Representation: Ensure SC/ST officers have greater representation in senior government roles. As of December 2022, only 4% of Secretary-level and 4.9% of Joint Secretary-level officers are from SC/ST categories.
2. Implement Fixed Tenure: Introduce a fixed tenure of 35 years for all civil servants, irrespective of entry age. This would help SC/ST officers reach top positions before retirement.
3. Age Limit Adjustments: Consider lowering the current age limits to ensure all officers retire by 67 years of age, while allowing sufficient time for promotions.
4. Form an Independent Committee: Establish a committee with adequate SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD representation to review and implement these proposals, ensuring fairer opportunities in government services.
5. Address Political Distractions: Focus on structural changes rather than political blame games, which divert attention from real issues.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons for the underrepresentation of SC/ST officers in senior government roles and suggest measures to improve their representation.