New Delhi: Industry today (July 17, 2004) vehemently opposed any move to bring in a legislation for job reservation in the private sector even as it assured all support to empower the underprivileged through education and training to bring them on par with others.

"It is a matter of serious concern and worry if we view the impact of job reservation on the efficiency, productivity and competitiveness of industry in the international competitive environment," PHDCCI (PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry) president Ravi Wig said at a brain storming on the subject organised by the chamber.

The participants however, felt that the need of the hour was "empowerment through education and training for the weaker section so that they could be absorbed in the industry like others".

Pointing out that reservation in the private sector would only lead to perpetuation of casteism, they favoured formation of a task force by the industry to deal with all issues concerning reservation.

They said it will further create caste-based divisions in the society and will only serve the purpose of vote politics and not economic growth.