Doc measure India Inc’s quota beat
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has convened a meeting on Saturday to take stock of affirmative action -- initiatives by corporates to provide suitable representation to backward classes in its workforce
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has convened a meeting on Saturday to take stock of affirmative action –– initiatives by corporates to provide suitable representation to backward classes in its workforce. Representatives of CII, Ficci and Assocham would present report cards on the steps taken by them in this area.
Last year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had asked corporates to take voluntary action to provide employment to backward classes instead of passing legislation establishing quotas for such recruitment in the private sector. Corporates were asked to provide details on recruitment of members of these communities. If the measures taken are not found to be satisfactory, the government might consider making reservation mandatory.
“The industry is hoping that the voluntary action in the area taken by it would satisfy the government. We certainly hope that mandatory quotas are not imposed,” an industry representative involved in the process said.
Industry chambers already have some plans in place for affirmative action. Ficci has identified 27 districts with over 40% SC/ST population with the objective of partnering with the government in developing an industrial base in these districts with the focus on identified thrust areas specific to each district.
CII, too, has started work on developing entrepreneurship among SC/STs and providing coaching on skill development. It has put in place a code of conduct promoting positive discrimination which asks corporates to employ an SC/ST candidate if he/she meets the given criteria for a vacancy even if another candidate is found to be more qualified. Assocham is expected to announce a fund for inclusive growth soon. It has to be seen if the PMO agrees with the industry’s contention that it is better to invest in entrepreneurship development than follow a reservation regime.
The PMO meeting will be attended by industrialists including Sunil Bharti Mittal, S K Munjal, KK Modi and Venugopal Dhoot and senior ministry officials.
Last year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had asked corporates to take voluntary action to provide employment to backward classes instead of passing legislation establishing quotas for such recruitment in the private sector. Corporates were asked to provide details on recruitment of members of these communities. If the measures taken are not found to be satisfactory, the government might consider making reservation mandatory.
“The industry is hoping that the voluntary action in the area taken by it would satisfy the government. We certainly hope that mandatory quotas are not imposed,” an industry representative involved in the process said.
Industry chambers already have some plans in place for affirmative action. Ficci has identified 27 districts with over 40% SC/ST population with the objective of partnering with the government in developing an industrial base in these districts with the focus on identified thrust areas specific to each district.
CII, too, has started work on developing entrepreneurship among SC/STs and providing coaching on skill development. It has put in place a code of conduct promoting positive discrimination which asks corporates to employ an SC/ST candidate if he/she meets the given criteria for a vacancy even if another candidate is found to be more qualified. Assocham is expected to announce a fund for inclusive growth soon. It has to be seen if the PMO agrees with the industry’s contention that it is better to invest in entrepreneurship development than follow a reservation regime.
The PMO meeting will be attended by industrialists including Sunil Bharti Mittal, S K Munjal, KK Modi and Venugopal Dhoot and senior ministry officials.
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