Affirmative Action refers to the steps taken by an organization to promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups. Affirmative action and structured programs and policies are designed to foster equal employment opportunities and enhance workforce diversity, focusing on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company.
Definition and Purpose of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action refers to a set of policies and practices within a government or organization aimed at increasing the representation of particular groups based on their gender, race, sexuality, creed, or nationality.
The primary purpose of affirmative action is to address underrepresentation in areas such as education and employment, promoting diversity and bridging inequalities in access to opportunities. These policies are designed to create a level playing field for historically marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed based on their abilities and qualifications.
Affirmative Action in History
In India, affirmative action policies have been implemented to promote the representation of historically disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
The Indian government has established quotas for these groups in government-run education institutions, public sector undertakings, and civil services. The implementation of affirmative action policies in India has been subject to controversy and debate, with some arguing that they are necessary to address historical injustices, while others contend that they are unfair and perpetuate inequality.
Overall, the definition and purpose of affirmative action are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding these policies. While affirmative action policies aim to promote diversity and address historical injustices, their implementation and impact are subject to ongoing scrutiny and refinement.
Applicable Steps for Affirmative Action
To promote diversity within their workforce, organizations often undertake a variety of policies. They take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities for minorities and women. These can vary from the company’s policy and systems implemented by the government.
Reservation Policy
Reservation of seats within an organization can depend on company values as well as applicable laws. Certain organizations are known for setting aside seats either for women or individuals from other underrepresented communities.
Diversity Recruitment
Diversity Recruitments refer to hiring processes that aim to recruit people from a particular demographic. Affirmative action in diversity recruitment involves discussing various statistics and perspectives surrounding affirmative action policies and their impact on society.
This can include reuniting women candidates, seeking SC/ST applicants, and recruiting people with disabilities.
Inclusive Workplace Policies
Inclusive Workplace Policies are necessary to ensure that all employees feel welcome within an organization. Allowing individuals to share their experiences openly gives everyone a glimpse into the struggles that one can face as a discriminated individual and the importance of creating a supportive environment. Sensitivity training is also beneficial in this regard.
Anti-Discrimination Measures on the Basis of
A strict adherence to Anti-Discrimination Measures ensures that the employees feel safe in the workplace.
Training Programs
Companies can offer specific training programs to boost the representation of certain communities in a particular sector. For example, many organizations offer leadership training to women to increase their numbers within the top tier.
Indian Laws Against Organizational Discrimination
Organizations in India are subject to multiple laws that are in place to prevent discrimination within the workplace. Affirmative action and structured programs and policies are designed to foster equal employment opportunities and enhance workforce diversity. Some of the most crucial laws include:
The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976
The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 dictates employees take affirmative action to ensure men and women receive the same wages for doing similar work. It also mandates that recruiters cannot discriminate against men or women while hiring.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 forbids discrimination against people with disabilities in hiring and paying. It mandates that organizations create an Equal Opportunities Policy (EOP) and make the workplace accessible and provide reasonable accommodations.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019 and the Supreme Court
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019 is geared towards equal opportunities for transgender individuals. Affirmative action in various sectors highlights the statistics and perspectives surrounding affirmative action policies and their impact on society.
As per this law, organizations cannot discriminate against a transgender person during recruitment. The law also dictates companies to provide reasonable facilities and access to their transgender employees.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989
As per The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989, any discrimination against people of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is a legal offense, and the act aims to protect these communities from social injustices. Companies are prohibited from discriminating against people of these communities when hiring or paying.
The Code on Wages of 2019
Among the mandates within the Code on Wages of 2019 is that the necessity of fair treatment and institutional commitments to equality prohibits all forms of remuneration discrimination based on gender.
Conclusion
Affirmative action and structured programs and policies designed to foster equal employment opportunities and enhance workforce diversity are crucial for companies that want to create a more inclusive and positive work environment. Effective strategies for inclusion of underrepresented groups can lead to an increase in reputation while also contributing to compliance with diversity laws effective in India.