As part of India Inc’s commitment to increase the representation of SC/STs in Indian industry through affirmative action, the chambers are to appoint five ombudsmen — four for the four regions of the country and one Central ombudsman to ensure that the code of conduct on affirmative action is implemented.

The name that has been shortlisted for the Central ombudsman is of former cabinet secretary and former India’s ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra.

While the eastern region ombudsman is yet to be finalised, the names that have been finalised for the other regions are Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta for northern region, former CVC P Shankar for southern and and former Chief Justice of India Sam Barucha for the western region covering industries in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. An official announcement to this effect is expected to be made this week.

The ombudsmen will oversee the implementation of the code of conduct drawn out by the CII-Assocham combine and hear complaints of employees who have been discriminated against by their employers or have been “unfairly treated” by them. Sources said the ombudsmen would also have the power to take action against errant employers.

While the regional ombudsmen will be responsible for industries/companies falling within their region, the Central ombudsman would work along with them to evolve policies, resolve disputes and maintain an overall database on affirmative action. However, they would not be an interface between the Government and industry.

The industry has promised the Government to increase the representation of SC/STs through affirmative action but is against any law that forces industry to do so. Like the code of conduct, sources said, the decision to appoint the ombudsmen was again a voluntary action on the part of the industry and as the year progresses the processes would be further concretised.

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