New Delhi: Government today (July 16, 2004) asserted it was "fully committed" to reservation in jobs for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the private sector, albeit in a "positive and cordial atmosphere", and said it has initiated informal consultations in this regard at various levels.

"For the first time, a Government has made affirmative action including reservation for Scheduled Castes and Tribes a very important part of its Common Minimum Programme. The Government of Manmohan Singh is fully committed to it. We have whole-heartedly devoted ourselves to doing it", Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar told Lok Sabha replying to a debate on a private member's resolution.

Reminding the private sector that it had immensely benefited from public exchequer through rebates and other fiscal concessions, she said, "I am very positive and confident that the private sector will grab this historical opportunity and prove to the masses that they are also sensitive to needs and aspirations of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe youths". She said with shrinking of job opportunities due to privatisation, globalisation, downsizing, disinvestments and ban on recruitment in Government and public sector, the "Government cannot sit with folded hands and say sorry, we cannot provide jobs."

"We have a certain responsibility towards the downtrodden and the suppressed. The private sector is a major player and mover in Indian economy and they have jobs to offer".