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An Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) will soon roll up shutters to institutionalise affirmative action in the private sector and tackle all stubborn inequalities in economic activity faced by minorities across the country - ranging from sexual to religious minorities.

"It will cover all who think they are being denied equal opportunity due to their minority status," says MN Madhava Menon who was assigned on Thursday to head an expert group to determine the structure and functions of the EOC.

The EOC is expected to cover all private employers, state and local governments, and education institutions that employ a sizable number of individuals. Any discrimination based on sex or marital status (this includes family status, responsibility for dependants, sexual orientation and gender); colour or race (this includes ethnic or national origin or nationality); disability; religious or political beliefs, or trade union affiliation; other unjustifiable factors, for example language difficulties or age, will be examined by the panel. Individuals and groups can approach the panel for remedial action.

The Commission may make it mandatory for industrial houses and corporates to ensure diversity of employees from all religions, castes and other sections to get government contracts and support. "This will prove to be a better way to ensure affirmative in private sector without forcing job reservations," says Menon. The Commission’s thrust will be to ensure that economic opportunity comes to all sections of society.

Menon says his first task will be to study EOCs functioning in other countries, especially the US and the UK, and see how best practices can be employed in the Indian situation. The Commission is expected to have constitutional powers, so that its directions are binding on all, including the private sector and the economic ministries.

"This is not just about addressing minority Muslim issues. People from areas like the North-East and islands like Lakshdweep can rest assured that they will not be discriminated against due to their geographical remoteness," says Menon.

Prof Javeed Alam, Prof Satish Deshpande, Prof Yogendra Yadav and Prof. Gopal Guru are members of the task force. The Government has also set up an expert group that will recommend an appropriate diversity index in living, education and work spaces. This group will have Prof. Amitabh Kundu as chairman and Prof. Sugata Marjit, Prof. Md. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Ashwini Deshpande and Dr. Hasib Drabu as members.

Source: The Hindu

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Vikas

AccessAbility

An Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) will soon roll up shutters to institutionalise affirmative action in the private sector and tackle all stubborn inequalities in economic activity faced by minorities across the country - ranging from sexual to religious minorities.

"It will cover all who think they are being denied equal opportunity due to their minority status," says MN Madhava Menon who was assigned on Thursday to head an expert group to determine the structure and functions of the EOC.

The EOC is expected to cover all private employers, state and local governments, and education institutions that employ a sizable number of individuals. Any discrimination based on sex or marital status (this includes family status, responsibility for dependants, sexual orientation and gender); colour or race (this includes ethnic or national origin or nationality); disability; religious or political beliefs, or trade union affiliation; other unjustifiable factors, for example language difficulties or age, will be examined by the panel. Individuals and groups can approach the panel for remedial action.

The Commission may make it mandatory for industrial houses and corporates to ensure diversity of employees from all religions, castes and other sections to get government contracts and support. "This will prove to be a better way to ensure affirmative in private sector without forcing job reservations," says Menon. The Commission’s thrust will be to ensure that economic opportunity comes to all sections of society.

Menon says his first task will be to study EOCs functioning in other countries, especially the US and the UK, and see how best practices can be employed in the Indian situation. The Commission is expected to have constitutional powers, so that its directions are binding on all, including the private sector and the economic ministries.

"This is not just about addressing minority Muslim issues. People from areas like the North-East and islands like Lakshdweep can rest assured that they will not be discriminated against due to their geographical remoteness," says Menon.

Prof Javeed Alam, Prof Satish Deshpande, Prof Yogendra Yadav and Prof. Gopal Guru are members of the task force. The Government has also set up an expert group that will recommend an appropriate diversity index in living, education and work spaces. This group will have Prof. Amitabh Kundu as chairman and Prof. Sugata Marjit, Prof. Md. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Ashwini Deshpande and Dr. Hasib Drabu as members.

Source: The Hindu

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Vikas

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