More than 1500 companies in the private sector have adopted a voluntary code of conduct for implementation of affirmative action. The action hinges around four major points - Employability, Education, Entrepreneurship Development, and Employment (4E). The Chambers of Industry have reported that under the 4E Programme, 112702 persons have benefitted so far.

The information was disclosed by the industry associations during the Review Meeting of the Coordination Committee on Affirmative Action in the Private Sector, which was chaired by Shri TKA Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.

While FICCI and ASSOCHAM have appointed Ombudsman to monitor the progress. CII is in the process of doing so. CII has adopted the district of Nawashahar in Punjab and Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and FICCI has adopted Sonbhadra in UP for implementation of the 4E Programme. The programme will focus on skill development and livelihood promotion for disadvantaged population in these districts. In addition, the Industry Associations are also supporting Mid Day Meal programmes and various education schemes. ASSOCHAM has created a foundation for inclusive growth for SCs and STs and a taskforce has been mandated to oversee initiatives taken for affirmative action. FICCI has reported imparting skill training to 11,000 SC/ST candidates to enhance their employability and have also forwarded voluntary code of conduct to nearly 2,70,000 industrial entrepreneurs in the country. Between themselves, FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM have adopted 559 ITIs

A significant information given by CII is that nearly 20% employees in their member companies belong to SC/ST community.