Devil's Advocate: Kamal Nath

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Devil's Advocate: Kamal Nath

In an exclusive interview with Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate, Minister of Industry and Commerce Kamal Nath discusses issues like Nandigram violence, SEZs and FDI in retail sector.

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Karan Thapar: A second issue which I want to clarify with you is the affirmative action which does not preclude reservations, who is it principally targeted at? Is it strictly for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes or does it also include the OBCs?

Kamal Nath: It includes all sections of the society which need to be uplifted.

Karan Thapar: Does that include the OBCs?

Kamal Nath: Of course, when we say 'all sections of the society', it includes all sections of the society.

Karan Thapar: You are talking about affirmative action and reservations, is it specifically for SCs/STs and OBCs?

Kamal Nath: I am talking about all sections of the society which have not had a chance to partake in the growth process of this country. Now, do you know how many districts there are which have more than 33 per cent or 50 per cent of SCs/SCs or OBCs? There are 104 disricts.

Karan Thapar: What? Only SCs and STs?

Kamal Nath:That's right. Yes, but if you were to add OBCs in this, then...

Karan Thapar: Lets come to the districts in a moment's time, lets first clarify the government's position. You have made it clear that the government is for affirmative action, which does not preclude reservation; you have made it clear that this would be targeted at SCs/STs and OBCs because you feel that all these people are in need. So far as you are talking about affirmative actions as opposed to reservations, are you talking of voluntary affermative action or are you talking about a legislative action as it happens in South Africa.

Kamal Nath: Our Common Minimum Programme is very clear. When you are using the word affirmative action, we have called upon the industry to tell us how they propose to do it. I keep repeating it.

Karan Thapar: Just tell us if it is voluntary or will be legally enforced.

Kamal Nath: First we want to try the voluntary process. If it does not work then the government will have to look at it. We will then have to look at other options.

Karan Thapar: So you are saying that first we want to try voluntary action and if doesn't work then the government will look at other options.

Kamal Nath: We want to see what the voluntary proposal of industry is. If the government sees that it is working then we will definitely go ahead with it. If it doesn't work or the proposal is not workable then obviously it is not on.

Karan Thapar: In other words whether it is voluntary or legislative will depend upon the response you will get from the industry. If the industry gives you a package that you think is sufficient and that they will enforce it effectively and voluntarily then it will remain voluntary.

Kamal Nath: Absolutely, because we have to achieve our objective.

Karan Thapar: But if you feel that the package you get from the industry is not effective or that it is not going to be enforced voluntarily and effectively then it will it be enforced legally.

Kamal Nath: Then the government will have to look at other options. And other options include the legal channel. But that is not the only option.