Government to talk with industry on reservations

By Our Economy Bureau | 22 Sep 2004

Mumbai: The central government is holding talks with the industry over job reservations in the private sector for the marginalised sections of society and would take a decision in consensus with them. This was stated by social justice and empowerment minister Meira Kumar at an industry meeting at the Indian Merchants'' Chamber in Mumbai, last evening.

Kumar said Indian industry was sensitive to the issue; it understood its responsibility and the government had full confidence that the matter would be sorted out sooner rather than later. "How and when it would be done and other specifics would emerge out of the dialogue," she said.

Asked if the government would force a legislation on the industry in case there was no "consensus", Kumar said "it is a hypothetical question" and that most of the industrial houses adhered to the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and were not parochial over the issue.

She said the issue of job reservations in private sector and affirmative action for the marginalised sections was an important part of the common minimum programme of the UPA government.

"If the industry on its own initiative comes forward and consciously makes an effort to employ those among marginalised groups who are qualified and eligible, there would not be any need to discuss the issue of reservation any further," Kumar added