Quota for backward castes in private sector recommended

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Monday submitted its annual report for 2016-17 making several recommendations, including reservation for backward classes in private sector.

The NCSC, headed by P.L. Punia, submitted the annual report to President Pranab Mukherjee on the issues regarding protection of constitutional safeguards of the Scheduled Castes, as enshrined in the Constitution, according to an official statement released on Monday.

Talking to IANS, Punia said: "A large number of recommendations have been made. These include strengthening and empowerment of the NCSC. We have also suggested a legislation for reservation of backward classes in the private sector and promotions."

The report also addresses the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes students in obtaining scholarships.

"A proposal has been made suggesting legislation for targeted flow of funds. Large number of problems are faced by the Scheduled Castes students, as disbursement of scholarships is delayed sometimes for more than three years," Punia said.

"We as a national commission for BCs should be given the power to redress the grievances of those castes," he added.

The report also addresses the plight of "Safai Karamcharis" and makes recommendations to improve their condition.

--IANS

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