CSR must be taken more vigorously for weaker sections: Selja

Addressing a CII conference here, Selja also said the industrial sector must address Corporate Social Responsibility towards the weaker sections with greater vigour.

"I am told that there is no information available about the companies reporting the data on appointment of SCs/STs. This shows the progress is very slow, and should be expedited. The industry sector under its CSR must address the weaker sections of society with greater vigour," the Social Justice and Empowerment Minister said.

Apart from the government trying its best to ensure inclusiveness in all areas of development, Selja said, "the private sector too has a major role to play as far as affirmative action for weaker sections is concerned."

Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development of 1,000 SC-majority villages in Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, she urged the industry associations to adopt such villages for making them into model ones.

"I am happy to note that CII has adopted Nawanshahr and Cooch Behar districts in Punjab and West Bengal for skill development and livelihood promotion, as a part of its commitment to affirmative action. However, the confederation needs to expedite action in these districts," she said.

Selja also expected that other industry chambers would take suitable steps to give required fillip to area of affirmative action in private sector.

"Private sector is the largest employment generator in our society. If it does not address the issues of inclusion, demands for inclusion of socially deprived section in private sector from multiple quarters will keep on emerging," she said. (More)