Job reservation faces private sector hurdle

Academicians would like to change the general perception about job reservation, often touted as an anti-poverty measure by politicians.

Discussing at an interactive session on 'Job reservation in private sector - good or evil?' organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce (CCC), economists and social scientists said job reservation was actually meant to be an instrument to deepen the notion of citizenship and fraternity among 'dalits'.

Speaking in favour of the reservation , D Raja, secretary, Communist Party of India (CPI), strongly denied the general perception about reservation was a 'vote bagging tool'.

"It is not a political but an social issue of immense importance. The government sincerely urges the chambers of commerce and industries and private sector industries to come forward for a national dialogue in this regard", added Raja. Dipankar Gupta of the School of Social Science at Jawaharlal National University (JNU) said the term reservation was often misinterpreted and misused.

"Judiciously used, reservation can achieve tremendous success. Under the current scenario, an alternative practice of taking high ended 'dalits' out of the reservation list is a genuine available option", said Gupta.

Caste 'identity' has now come up in place of caste 'system'. This primary issue was sought to be addressed through a system of reservations. Placements in private companies were mostly done through channels that made it difficult for 'dalits' to get jobs, it was alleged at the meeting.

"Education should create the ability among dalits to compete for white collar jobs. It will be dangerous to encourage groups of people whose occupation is to encash the scheduled caste and tribe label", said CC president Satish K Jhunjhunwala.