The United Progressive Alliance has provoked a debate on the reservation of seats for Schedule caste and Schedule Tribes in private sector jobs. Though there has been no formal dialogue between the government and the industrial associations, the proposal has met an opposition from Indian industries.

ASSOCHAM and CII have strongly voiced out its opinion against the reservation saying that if implemented, it would render the Indian industry globally uncompetitive. The question unanswered over here is would the reservation of jobs actually start the chain reaction of the economic growth of the backward classes, or would at just stop at providing them with the jobs. Vinay Rai

Without providing them with the good quality of life at the primary and secondary education level, this section of the society is being forced to enter into the job market on the basis of the reserved quota. Without sound conceptual knowledge the aspirant would have a stunted growth in the industry. In due course of time frustration would replace the ambitions of the youth from the particular segment of the population. The focus primarily needs to on the sound educational background, which would put them at par with the rest of the applicants. Vinay Rai

"The reservation quota of jobs in the private sector should be seen as the stepping ladder to bring in the economic equality and not the ultimate solution to the problem. Giving them means to earn their livelihood would not ensure their growth," opines Vinay Rai, Founder and President of Rai Foundation.

Considering the rapid leaps of the economy they would again be left behind without sufficient growth. The system in such a case would again fall prey to economic inequality. Consequently, the government would again be in search for another sector to thrust the reservation of jobs policy. Vinay Rai, President of Rai Foundation

Take for instance the case of the Public Sector Units. The dalits did never really become the partners in the market economy. The oil companies, for example, reserve 22.5 per cent of their petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG dealership for the dalits. The PSU could introduce supplier-dealership diversity for Dalits even in the areas of office equipment, electrical gadgets and furniture. Sadly though, the government couldn't envision creating a strong business class from within the community. Vinay Rai,

Reservation of jobs had so far been restricted to public sector. In 1990, Parliament passed a law reserving more than a quarter of all government jobs for the so-called backward castes. Jobs in PSUs are however not growing and consequently the job opportunities for the so-called backward castes are dwindling.

However, the million-dollar question is that, would increased job quota alone ensure the mergence of the backward classes into the mainstream economy?