TIA NEWS /
Government today said it was in favour of reservation for SCs, STs and OBC in private sector but there is a need to create conducive environment before its implementation. Replying to a debate on Demands for Grant of his Ministry in the Lok Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said the intention of the NDA government is clear on the issue.
He also called for consensus among the different political parties over the issue. Mr. Gehlot clarified that the there is no question of scrapping the current reservation policy asserting that it will continue.
On reservation in promotion, the Minister said, the government is in its favour but there is need to bring every party on board to pass a bill
in this regard. He said there are some people both in the opposition and in the government who have some reservation on it. He said if main opposition Congress assures the government of its support, it will take it seriously and think over it.
Mr. Gehlot said the government is promoting inter-caste marriages and for the first time it has provided 2.5 lakh rupees each to 100 couples. He said it is also committed for eradication of manual scavenging in the country and has taken several steps in this direction.
The Minister denied opposition charges that funds have been cut in the SCs and STs Sub -plan adding that more funds have been allocated as compared to the last year. He also informed that government will soon bring a new policy for the welfare of senior citizens. Later, the House passed the demands for grant for Social Justice Ministry.