(a) the progress made by the Government in regard to the reservation in jobs for
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the private sector;
(b) whether Group of Ministers (GoMs) constituted for the purpose has submitted
its report to the Government;
(c) if so, the recommendations made by the GoMs and the follow-up action taken
by the Government thereon; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor and the time by which it is likely to submit its
report?
MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. MEIRA KUMAR)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 70 for answer on
27-7-2006 by S/Shri K. Giridhari Yadav and Mansukhbhai D. Vasava, regarding
reservation for SCs/STs in Private Sector.
(a) to (d) In pursuance of the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP), a
Group of Ministers (GOM) was constituted to examine the issue of affirmative action,
including reservation in private sector, and to initiate a dialogue with industry to see how
best the private sector can fulfill the aspirations of youth belonging to Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes. The GOM has discussed the matter with the four major Industry
Associations and also obtained the opinions of three legal luminaries. The industry
associations are in favour of affirmative action but not in favour of reservations. The
legal opinion is that a Constitutional amendment(s) will be required to introduce
reservation in the Private sector. The matter is under consideration of the Government. At
this stage, it is difficult to indicate a time frame.