Left leaders demand quota in private sector

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) CPI leader D Raja today said reservations were not alms that are being sought but legitimate constitutional rights that need to be extended to all spheres of economic activity.

Speaking at the 'National Conference for Reservation in the Private Sector', he said that class struggle did not merely mean raising economic demands, but also political empowerment and social mobility.

Mr Raja blamed both the Congress and BJP for embarking upon neo liberal reforms at the cost of dalits, adivasis and other marginalised people.

The Conference was organised by the National Confederation of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR) on the occasion of International Labour Day to mark the launch of a National Campaign for Reservations in the Private Sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Subhashini Ali, General Secretary, AIDWA emphasised the need to extend reservations to the private sector, and called upon the SC/ST organisations and other Trade unions to unite and form a joint front to ensure economic justice to dalits and marginalised.

Ms Annie Raja, General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women, pledged her support to NACDOR's demand of reservation in private sector.

Mr Ramdas Athavale MP and President of the Republican Party of India said the UPA government must respect a commonly agreed Common Minimum Programme and bring legislation to provide reservation in private Sector.

Mr Ashok Bharti, Chairman of NACDOR waa among several others who spoke on the occasinon.

UNI NAZ PDT KP2001