Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan bats for reservation for Dalits in private sector

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday made a pitch for reservation for Dalits in private sector jobs.

"Private companies have been availing a number of benefits from the government. Therefore, they should provide reservation to Dalits in employment," Paswan said during a function organised to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar at Mhow, around 25 km from Indore. 

The Lok Janshankti Party (LJP) president said just as reservation is provided in administrative services, there needs to be reservation in appointment of judges. Criticising Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on the issue, the Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies said, "It was because of Mulayam Singh that reservation in promotions in government jobs could not materialise." Now, what good will Mulayam Singh do for Dalits after becoming the leader of a grand alliance of Janata Parivar parties? he said.

Describing Hindu religion as "flexible", Paswan said, "We should live in harmony as envisioned by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. This is also the core essence of BJP and RSS." Ambedkar did not belong to any particular caste or a religion, but he stands as the symbol of humanity, he added. According to the minister, the Centre plans to develop and give a face-lift to Dr Ambedkar memorials in Delhi, Nagpur and Mumbai, besides Mhow.