Fruits of economic growth yet to percolate down, says FICCI
R Chandrasekaran
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have decided to accept its national executive committee’s code of conduct on affirmative action in an effort to promote and create opportunities and empowerment for backward sections of the society.
Political parties are clamoring for reservation of jobs in private sector and this has been quietly declined by the various chambers since the move will not only amount to compromising merit but the Indian industry will also stand to lose competitiveness in the challenging global economic environment.
However, the chambers are ready to take concrete steps to educate, build skill and entrepreneurship among the backward caste youth that would enable them to improve employability skills and inclusive growth.
FICCI felt that despite India progressing rapidly in the last few decades, including in the areas of education, employment and health, the fruits of the economic growth are yet to reach some sections of the society as a fall out of many socio-economic factors such as illiteracy, poverty and unemployment.
The trade body has come out with some points after its executive committee’s discussions and has urged its members and affiliated companies to promote and adopt the 10-point code of conduct in their enterprise as part of their corporate social responsibility.
These ten points include: Providing and promoting equal opportunity to all its employees and no bias, or discrimination based on caste, religion or gender is practiced; the enterprise will not discriminate against employees coming from the disadvantaged/underprivileged castes or groups in any manner including recruitment, training and promotion; the company will ensure that preference is given to employees from the disadvantaged groups among the equally qualified individuals; the company would give preference to entrepreneurs from the disadvantaged group, as long as the other set requirements are met, when it is appointing vendors or enter into contracts for supply or purchase; the enterprise will make special provisions in its budget for training the disadvantaged in its employment.
These apart, an enterprise will make every effort and seize opportunity to make investment in areas, where the focus is on SC & ST population, while the company will not have any truck with individuals and organizations that practice and support discrimination against the underprivileged.
It remains to be seen whether the political parties will accept the FICCI’s ten-point programs especially when the elections to Parliament is slated for next year.
To contact the author, e-mail: rchandrasekaran@americanbazaaronline.com