Reserve jobs for SC/STs in private sector

The National Dalit and Minority Front (NDMF), in its meeting in Pune on Saturday in presence of national president and former minister Ramvilas Paswan, passed a resolution demanding immediate reservation of jobs for scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) in private sector in the country.

Paswan told reporters in a press conference following the meeting that five lakh participants from all over the country would march to the Parliament on November 30 to drive home their demands.

National working president of NDMF and president of Republican Party of India (RPI-A) Ramdas Athawale was also present.

Paswan said that during the NDMF meeting, some resolutions were passed demanding immediate introduction of reservation of jobs for SC/STs in private sector.

He said that till a few years ago the government had control over economy and there was reservation for SC/STs in public sector undertakings. But due to disinvestment, the public sector is being converted into private sector. Hence, the demand is made for reservation in private sector.

He said there was a declaration of reservation for SC/STs in private sector in the manifesto of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) during its rule from 2004-2009. Some action was taken to implement the declaration. But industry strongly opposed it and the government succumbed to the pressure. The declaration was removed from the UPA manifesto in its second term from 2009.

He said the government provides land and other infrastructure to “Education Mafia” at throwaway prices and they earn profit while running institutions. Hence, there should be 50% reservation in admissions to private educational institutions for poor children belonging to any community.

He said the All India Judicial Service (AIJS) that was to be formed under Article 312 of the Constitution for recruitment in judiciary is yet to take shape. There would be reservation for SC/STs in judiciary once the AIJS becomes reality.

‘No support to Anna, Ramdev’: Ramvilas Paswan

Paswan on Saturday criticised anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and yoga guru Baba Ramdev for not speaking against atrocities on Dalits and overlooking issues of social justice while fighting against corruption.

Speaking to reporters after the NDMF meeting in the city, he said that the front was also against corruption but the serious problem could not be solved by one person sitting on fast. “We will not support Anna Hazare’s agitation,” he said.

He said that no action should be taken while dealing with Anna or Ramdev, which is not within the frame of Constitution. Every decision and action should be as per the parliamentary democracy.

Criticising Hazare’s demand for Lokpal, he said that it would result in formation of one more committee. “One should note that Suresh Kalmadi or A Raja are behind bars under the very laws in effect. There is no problem of policy. The intention for implementation should be the right one,” he said.

The Dalit leader said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should not use shoulders of these “babas” for their political needs. He said that he wonders why Baba Ramdev has entered politics instead of teaching yoga.

Ramvilas Paswan decries caste system in India

Rajya Sabha MP and Jan Lokshakti Party president, Ramvilas Paswan, said caste system was the biggest obstacle for the all-round development of the nation.

Paswan was speaking at the 39th anniversary celebrations of Dalit Panther at the Balgandharva Rangmandir on Saturday. The founder of Dalit Panther, Namdeo Dhasal; state forest minister, Patangrao Kadam; Republican Party of India (RPI-A) president Ramdas Athawale and city corporators were present.

Dalit Panther is a social organisation founded by noted writer-poet Namdeo Dhasal in April 1972 in Mumbai to fight the subjugation of the Dalit community.

Balgandharva Rangmandir was jam-packed on Saturday as supporters applauded the leaders on the dais.

Congratulating Dhasal on his fight for justice, Paswan said that Dalit Panther had worked for the evolution of the Dalits. “In the past, people associated the Dalits as passive and a subjugated class. However, the Dalit Panther has successfully eradicated this notion,” he said.

Paswan, who was the chief guest for the occasion, urged people to rise and fight for their cause. “It is been high time that the Dalits have remained a neglected section in society. Every individual Dalit should fight for justice,” he said.

According to Paswan, in India, the rich continue to become richer, while the poor become poorer.

“On paper, our country might be developing at a good pace, but it is the problems of the deprived poor people that need to be addressed. Politicians and crusaders seem to forget that,” he said.