NEW DELHI : Corporate houses on Wednesday opposed bringing in legislation to provide job reservation to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the private sector but agreed to take voluntary affirmative action for their progress.

"We have made it clear that we are against quotas and if legislation comes in, it would be unfortunate," said J.J. Irani, former chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry, who headed a CII committee on reservation. He was speaking to reporters after corporate representatives met Ajay Dua, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion here.

To ascertain views

The Government had convened the meeting to ascertain industry's view and convey it to the Task Force on Affirmative Action, headed by the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, T.K.A.Nair. The representatives would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after six months.

Asked whether the Government would give up its intention of bringing in legislation following the commitments made by the corporate houses, Mr. Dua said the meeting had been called only to ascertain their views and convey them to Dr. Singh.

"However, the Government has not given any commitment on the legislation on either side," he added and expressed the hope that the voluntary code of conduct would yield good results.

Mr. Irani said imposition of quotas through legislation would divert industry's attention to counter it.

The chambers decided to take voluntary action to improve employment and employability of the backward sections, particularly the SC and the ST.

Targets

Industry also agreed to set itself targets on affirmative action, including training over 10,000 people and creating 100 entrepreneurs from among the disadvantaged in a year.

According to Mr. Irani, in case the code of conduct — drawn up by industry itself — was not complied with, it would be willing to be monitored.

It was agreeable to appointing an ombudsman for the purpose.

"However, the industrial houses agreed on the point that there was scope for betterment and something needs to be done. The most important thing is moving forward with cooperation," Mr. Irani said.

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