JOIN USNo job reservations, says CII
“We feel that compulsory reservation of jobs is not the solution. We are for affirmative action on voluntary basis to enhance the representation of candidates belonging to underprivileged sections in wide spectrum of industry,” the newly elected CII President B Muthuraman told newspersons.
Stressing the need for engaging in affirmative action by the industry to target inclusive growth he said “the industry is inclined to recruit more number of candidates belonging to SC, ST and backward classes. There is no bias.”
Quoting latest data complied by the CII, Muthuraman said candidates belonging to weaker sections like SC and ST constituted 18 to 20 per cent of total recruitment made by the industry in the last year.
Encouraging response
“The CII Code of Affirmative Action is receiving encouraging response. We are aiming to make nearly 2000 of our member becoming signatories to the Code,” Muthuraman, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Tata Steel, said.
“We have also decided to submit a quarterly report on progress on affirmative action to the government this fiscal onward,” he said. In a bid to promote SC and ST entrepreneurs, he indicated that the CII would persuade its members to procure components and input materials from enterprises run by “dalit” entrepreneurs.
Replying to volley of queries on corruption, Muthuraman said the industry is opposed to corruption and stand steadfastly against any sort of corrupt practices.
Amnesty scheme
On black money he said “the CII is of the view that there is a need for an amnesty scheme ...If somebody does not declare (black money) the government must punish.”
However, he suggested “the amnesty scheme can only be announced once. You cannot have two. Only by an absolute carrot and stick approach this issue can be solved,” Muthuraman said.
He also suggested for transparency in public governance the CII would press for removal of discretionary powers of government functionaries which are often “misused”.
“Misuse of discretion and standards, lack of transparent rules and procedures and lack of transparency in public procurement are the key challenges for governance,” he said.
Projecting 8 to 8.5 per cent growth for the economy in 2011-12 the CII Chief outlined a five-pronged strategy for over 10 per cent growth in coming years.
The strategy suggests putting as many as 100 mega projects on the fast track and pushing forward tax reforms like introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST). It aims at doubling the contribution of manufacturing sector in GDP to 25 per cent from 12 per cent, create a common market and improve investment climate.
It also suggested project monitoring and implementation agency with specific timelines in order to keep the growth momentum at high levels.