CPI pitches for SC, ST reservation in private sector

Ahead of winter session of Parliament, CPI today made a strong pitch for providing reservation to schedule castes (SC) and schedule tribes (ST) in the private sector, and insisted that the government comes up with a central legislation to offer funds under sub-plan for welfare of the two segments of society.

"Due to pursuit of neo-liberal economic policies, the private sector has emerged as a big sector. But it does not follow non-discriminatory recruitment policies.

"It has been taking every possible advantage for its growth, but people from the communities are not getting entry into the sector. So, we want Government to come clear on this in Parliament," CPI national secretary D Raja said.

The Rajya Sabha member said in the absence of Planning Commission, which would direct the Centre and state governments to allocate separate funds for SC and ST communities and their sub-plans, the NDA government should come up with a central legislation on the same.

"In states like (united) Andhra Pradesh, there is a legislation to guarantee SC and ST sub plan. Now there is a demand for central legislation. Modi Government talks about 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas'. We want to know what is 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas', inclusive growth, if all these things are deprived. Will the government come forward on these issues during the Parliament session?" he asked.

Raja also took a swipe at Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu over his remarks that Bihar mandate against BJP should not be used to disrupt Parliament session, saying the NDA major should not use its majority in Lok Sabha to work against Dalits and tribals.

The winter session of Parliament gets underway on November 26, with the first two days of the sitting to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26 and honour its architect Dalit icon B R Ambedkar.