LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan said that a final decision to join hands with the BJP will be taken in next three to four days.

NEW DELHI: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday asked the industry to voluntarily give reservation to the weaker sections, particularly Dalits, SCs and STs, claiming that it will help curb issues like Naxalism.

He said at least jobs falling under Class-III and Class-IV categories could be reserved for these sections by the industries that get benefits from the government. Paswan said he is not asking the industry to reserve jobs falling under Class-I and Class-II categories. “Are not SCs and STs capable of doing the job of even a peon? Do we want to say that children of Dalits have not learnt computers even as some of them are clearing all-India services?” he asked.

Talking to media on the sidelines of an event, Paswan said, “Why are youths drifting towards Naxalism? It is happening because they are not getting opportunities.” The minister said reservation in private jobs will help cool down anger among vulnerable youths from SCs and STs, who are are taking to the extremist ideology. He said the industry does not seem to be bothered about the backward sections of society.

Responding to whether the government will take it up with the industry, he said, “Our party maintains that there should be reservation in private jobs. It is a different matter whether this is done through law or companies do it through their affirmative action. I feel the industry should come forward on its own and play an affirmative role.”

