(a) whether the Group of Ministers, constituted to examine the reservation for
SCs/STs in the private sector has made any progress in this regard;
(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(
(c) whether the proposal of reservation in private sector has been opposed by certain
quarters;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(e) the measures taken by the Government to expedite the issue?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Group of Ministers, (GOM) constituted 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, is having a
dialogue with the apex associations of industry and trade.
(c ) to (e): The associations of industry and trade are opposed to reservations in
private sector; however in May 2005, 21 captains of industry have issued a statement
welcoming the move of the Government to have a dialogue with the industry on
affirmative action. They have committed to expand their activities for disadvantaged
persons with regard to scholarships, company-run private schools, partnership with
government schools, vocational training in-house as well as in partnership with ITIs,
vender development programmes etc.