This is in the self interest of industry

Inclusiveness, not quotas, best in industry J. J. Irani Indian Express: Saturday, July 29, 2006 SC/ST representation in our workforce will boost industrial growth through multiplier effects on consumption and investment

India has inherited, through centuries, a caste-based society. Our social predicaments are unique, and pose special challenges to inclusiveness. However, given the country’s projected population dynamics, marginalisation of any section of society from the market economy will seriously impact India’s overall competitiveness and economic prospects. In our rapid march towards economic prosperity, inclusiveness and competitiveness are interdependent and one cannot be achieved without the other.

For most of the 20th century, private industry has suffered, through ill-conceived “protection” policies — low productivity, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, and an inability to compete on its own terms. With economic reforms and liberalisation since 1991, we have developed new abilities and confidence in ourselves. This is one reason why we believe that reservation of jobs in the private sector can have long-term adverse social implications for the beneficiaries...

Private industry can play a large role in this through mentoring fresh entrepreneurs from the SC/ST category. This will create a class of independent and self-directed business persons from SC/ST categories, with the freedom to make their own decisions about their growth and future. Companies can build effective linkages for such entrepreneurs and self-employed persons in their upstream and downstream business partnerships. Further, such businesses will contribute to employment generation. In this context it may be worthwhile to observe that the US programme on “Equal Opportunity Employer” has actually played a strong role in making the US industry more competitive...

Inclusiveness is a matter of priority for industry. I am confident that with the concerted efforts of all sections of society, the government and private industry, we will be able to witness positive results in building an inclusive society with a competitive and expanding economy within a short period. This is in the self interest of industry and, therefore, it is of great importance that this programme takes off and succeeds — the credibility of Indian Industry is associated with it.