Friday, June 9 2006 10:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: NASSCOM President Kiran Karnik yesterday (June 8, 2006) said the IT industry body would oppose any move to introduce reservation in the private sector as it would affect the performance of the businesses.

"In industry, it is not productive and also not a wise move. Industries are competing globally and we want best people for the job. We cannot introduce reservation as it will affect the performance of the industry," he said.

"If at all reservation is imposed on industries, NASSCOM will oppose it totally," he told reporters here.

Karnik also said the proposed 27 reservation for OBCs would have 'historical disadvantage' and lead to permanent division in the society.

"Many of us hesitate to caste-based reservation as it will lead to a permanent division in the society."

He said, "It does not mean that we should not do something for the disadvantaged. Why cannot we use some other measures it may either be economic measure or gender measure. There has been historical discrimination against women." Karnik stressed the need to take measures at the school level itself to uplift the downtrodden sections.

"If it's thought that it will be a long process, then short-term measures like providing special training can be introduced to improve the standard," he added.