New Delhi: July 15, 2004

The Government proposes to initiate a national dialogue with the private sector to see how best it can help in fulfilling the aspirations of youth belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Giving this information in Lok Sabha today the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt.Meira Kumar said that the initiative is incorporated in the National Common Minimum Programme of the Government.

She said the government is very sensitive to the issue of affirmative action including reservation in the private sector. Since, this will require wide ranging discussions with various stakeholders, no time frame can be indicated for any decision on the matter at present. She made it clear that the Centre is not considering any legislation in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Smt.Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan told the House in a written reply that the government recently constituted for the handicapped, a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). It will have a chairperson, two full time members, five associate members and a member secretary.

The main objective of the Commission is to help the government in the elimination of inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities for the disabled persons. There is no proposal at present to accord constitutional status to the Commission.

Press Release: PIB