Date:26/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/04/26/stories/2006042602880400.htm

Back Nasscom not for job quota in pvt sector

Our Bureau

Bangalore , April 25

Indicating that it was against the government move to introduce job quota in the private sector, Nasscom — the apex IT industry body said on Tuesday that the best way to end discrimination was to raise the ability of disadvantaged sections to compete.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, the Nasscom President, Mr Kiran Karnik, said he did not favour the idea of offering some sops or "baits" to the private sector to agree to reservation. "They (the sops) might be marginally useful but I don't think we should go in that direction," he said.

Mr Karnik said there was a genuine need to do something for those who were "historically disadvantaged" not only by the government but also the industry. The outcome of such effort should ensure that there was no discrimination, he said

Stating that nothing much had been achieved during the last 60 years through reservation, Mr Karnik said the government should take the industry into confidence and discuss the issue. "There were many issues to be discussed before taking a final decision. The issues may include primary education, environment to be created, language and social aspects," he said, adding that Nasscom planned to discuss the issue with the industry before approaching the government.

"It is not correct to say that the IT industry has not done much and only objects to the introduction of the reservation policy. The industry has done a lot ," he said.