Bengaluru: The State Cabinet yesterday gave its nod to implement the Consequential Seniority Bill extending reservation in promotions to the SC/ST Government employees.

The implementation of the Bill, however, will be subjected to the final verdict of the Supreme Court in the matter. Until that time, SC/ST staffers, whose promotions were reversed in 2017, will be reinstated in their earlier posts.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Krishna Byre Gowda, briefing newsmen after the Cabinet meeting, said, “The previous seniority list cannot be considered since many employees have retired but a new seniority list will be drawn up based on the regulations in the Act. SC/ST staffers will be reinstated in their original posts with minimal discomfort to others.

Despite reversing promotions, the State Government had been paying its SC/ST employees’ salaries on par with grades that they held before the Supreme Court quashed promotion based on reservations in 2017 but pensions of SC/ST employees who had retired were withheld. The Cabinet has also approved the release of withheld pension to SC/ST staffers who were affected by the SC’s order.

The decision to implement the Bill was taken despite opposition by PWD Minister H.D. Revanna, said sources. Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara and Social Welfare Minister Priyank Kharge had been rallying for the Bill that seeks to benefit thousands of SC/ST staffers.