Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Group of Ministers on affirmative action constituted

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine the issue of affirmative action including reservations, in the private sector. The GoM will initiate a dialogue with industry to see how best the private sector can fulfil the aspirations of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youth.

Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution will be the Chairman of the GoM. The GoM will comprise:

1.       Shri Lalu Prasad, Minister of Railways;

2.       Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Chemical & Fertilisers and Steel;

3.       Shri P. Chidambaram, Minister of Finance;

4.       Shri Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce & Industry;

5.       Ms. Meira Kumar, Minister of Social Justice &
Empowerment;

6.       Shri Dayanidhi Maran, Minister of Communications & IT

The National Common Minimum Programme had declared the UPA Government's sensitivity to the issue of affirmative action, including reservations, in the private sector. It was also declared that it would initiate a national dialogue with all political parties, industry and other organisations.