The government seems to have relaxed its insistence on a quota for SC/STs in the private sector in return for a commitment from the industry to discriminate in favour of disadvantaged categories.
As part of the compromise hammered out by the government-appointed coordination committee to promote affirmative action, industry has agreed to implement ``positive discrimination'' in favour of SC/STs. The compromise will soon be put before the cabinet.
COMPROMISE FORMULA
- Positive discrimination in favour of SC/STs
- Annual reporting on new jobs for disadvantaged sections
- Ombudsman to monitor compliance
IN THE PIPELINE
- Investment sops in SC/ST dominated dists
- Raising resources to fund affirmative action programmes
- Enhanced skill, entrepreneurial development focus by companies.
In the government's words, ``other things being equal'', SCs and STs would be given preference in employment. Translated, it would mean a job for a SC or an ST candidate if he or she has the same qualifications as a general category candidate.
Implications aren't clear yet, but the corporates are going to be under the scrutiny of the political class from now on. The corporates will be required to provide a balance sheet on affirmative action. Positive discrimination and annual reporting on jobs created for SCs and STs would be part of a code of conduct that is being prescribed by chambers for their members.
Source- TOI, July-15, 2007
