"It is good to note that Indian industry has set out an agenda which includes education, employability, employment and entrepreneurship along with a code of conduct to be followed to include SC/ST community in to economic mainstream," Minister of state for Labour and Employment K Suresh said.
He was speaking at a national conference on 'inclusivity: adding value to economy and society' organised by CII here.
He said Indian industry may learn from other countries like US, Malysia, Japan, South Africa who have made affirmative action as an effective tool.
"Thus by doing affirmative action and making efforts to include marginalized sections in the mainstream, India will not only address the needs of the large deprived section of the country but also help the industry to grow and will give the necessary fillip to Indian growth story," he said.
He said reservations of jobs in all public sector undertakings was among the most recent decisions taken by the government in the area of affirmative action.
Recently, the Union cabinet also approved the proposal to provide quota for SC/STs in promotion, he said.
Earlier in the day, Suresh held a bilateral meeting with Swedish Minister of Social Security Ulf Kristersson during which both sides exchanged information on issues related to labour welfare.
Suresh said there is a high degree of political understanding and convergence of views between the two sides which can expand their collaboration as well as share experience in mutual areas of understanding.
