Recent comments by Dalit and backwards leader from Bihar and Union Steel, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ram Vilas Paswan about having affirmative quota system in private sector as in US is raising alarms in India’s business main street. This in addition to Left Front anti-productivity and anti-privatisation efforts will start weighing heavily in India’s private sector performance. External Affairs Minister’s anti-American comments and well established attitude is also working negatively. While these policies are good for social causes, business-wise these are negative.

Comparing US system with India’s shows the level of ignorance among Indian leaders. In US ninety percent of the economy is controlled by small companies. They are exempt from affirmative action quotas. As a matter of fact US affirmative action system just provides a face saving minority representation. The so called glass ceiling persists in US and the so called “US system” has done little for the minorities and women. 

India needs a much more comprehensive system keeping India’s business and export needs in mind as well as keeping social issues in mind. This debate must be taken to the public and needs a total referendum