Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Haryana Cabinet Approves Subclassification of Scheduled Castes for Fairer Reservation

Haryana Cabinet Approves Subclassification of 

Scheduled Castes for Fairer Reservation


In a significant move, the Haryana Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has approved the subclassification of Scheduled Castes (SC) within the state's reservation system. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s August 2024 judgment, which allows state governments to create subcategories within the broader Scheduled Caste classification. This change aims to address disparities in representation across various SC groups in government services.


Promoting Equality and Opportunity through Subclassification


The Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission conducted a thorough study to assess the representation of different SC communities within government services. The study found significant inequalities between the Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) and the Other Scheduled Castes (OSC) in public employment. 


According to the commission's findings:

- Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) were underrepresented in Groups A, B, and C government services.

- Conversely, in Group D services, the representation was skewed heavily towards the Deprived Scheduled Castes, while the Other Scheduled Castes had higher representation in the upper groups.


Cabinet’s Approval of Subclassification


The Haryana Cabinet has endorsed the recommendations of the commission, which calls for a reservation subclassification to ensure fairer opportunities for all SC communities. Under this system:

- The Scheduled Castes in Haryana will be divided into two subcategories: Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC) and Other Scheduled Castes (OSC).

  - The DSC group includes castes like Balmiki, Chura, Bhangi, Dhanak, and others.

  - The OSC group includes castes such as Chamar, Ravidasi, Jatav, Mochi, etc.

  

The reservation of 20% for Scheduled Castes in government services will be split evenly between these two groups. Thus:

- 10% of the quota** will be reserved for the **Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC).

- 10% of the quota** will be reserved for the **Other Scheduled Castes (OSC).


However, if suitable candidates from one subcategory are not available, candidates from the other subcategory may be considered to fill vacant posts.


Merit-Based Appointments and No Separate Roster Points


A crucial aspect of the decision is that inter-seniority of candidates from the two subcategories will be determined by a common merit list prepared by the recruiting agency. This list will ensure that merit remains the primary criterion for appointments, regardless of subclassification.


There will be no need to create separate roster points for each block within the current roster system. The state's Scheduled Caste list will be regularly updated in line with Central Government notification to reflect any changes.


Addressing Disparities and Ensuring Fair Representation


This decision is aimed at rectifying the unequal representation of various SC communities within Haryana's government services. By subclassifying the Scheduled Castes into Deprived and Other groups, the state hopes to ensure that adequate representation is maintained for all sections of society. 


This move is expected to foster a more equitable distribution of opportunities across different SC groups, thereby promoting a fairer employment system. It also aligns with the Supreme Court's judgment, which supports the creation of subcategories within the SC classification to ensure that reservation benefits reach the most disadvantaged groups.


The Haryana government's approval of subclassification represents a major step forward in addressing long-standing disparities within the SC category, promoting both equality of opportunity and social justice.


Conclusion: A Major Step Towards Equality


The Haryana Cabinet's decision to implement the subclassification of SCs is a transformative move aimed at creating a fairer system of reservation in government services. By ensuring that both the Deprived Scheduled Castes and the Other Scheduled Castes receive equal opportunities in public employment, the state is taking a bold step towards equal representation for all.


This decision is not only a reflection of legal precedents but also a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring social justice and equality for all communities within the Scheduled Castes.

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