New Delhi: The Government is sensitive to the issue of affirmative action including reservation in private sector and would initiate dialogue to fulfil the aspirations of those belonging to SCs (Scheduled Caste) and STs (Scheduled Tribe) and set up a National Commission to recommend measures for the welfare of backward among minorities.

President A P J Abdul Kalam announced this in his address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Asserting that his Government was committed to faster socio-economic and educational development of the SCs and the STs, he said the Government would initiate a dialogue with political parties, industry and other bodies on how best the private sector could fulfil aspirations of SCs and STs.

He said a National Commission would be established to make recommendations on enhancing the welfare of socially and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic minorities including through reservation in education and employment.

The President said steps would be taken to establish a Commission to look into issues relating to direct affiliation of minority professional institutions with Central universities.

Measures would also be taken to spread modern and technical education among minority communities.