Affirmative action The Tata story

Abstract

The case draws attention to an endemic problem that has challenged the Indian society for centuries namely the role of caste in accessing the various institutions of the society, namely, education, employment and entrepreneurship. This case documents the proactive attempts at Affirmative Action in employment and employability in the group companies held by Tata Sons. In 2004, after the general elections in India , the Congress and its pre-poll allies that included the RJD, DMK, NCP, PMK, TRS, JMM, LJP, MDMK, AIMIM, PDP, IUML, RPI (A), RPI (G) and KC(J) came together to form a United Progressive Alliance (UPA). The UPA government supported by the Left Parties created a National Common Minimum program (NCMP) which outlined the basic principles of Governance. One of the principles related to the reservation of positions for the SC/ST in private sector organizations. This case documents the proactive attempts at Affirmative Action in employment and employability in the group companies held by Tata Sons.