To address the issue of socio-economic exclusion, FICCI has adopted a Code of Conduct on Affirmative Action to promote inclusive growth, create opportunities and empowerment of backward sections of the society, Kidwai said.

The members of FICCI National Executive Committee today resolved to accept the code of conduct which includes providing and promoting equal opportunity to all its employees and any form of bias, or discrimination based on caste, religion or gender is not practiced, the release said.

Besides, it said, companies will ensure that among the equally qualified individuals, preference is given to those from the disadvantaged groups.

Their annual reports will also publish all efforts taken towards establishing and implementing non-discriminatory practices and not discriminating against employees coming from underprivileged castes or groups in terms of recruitment, training and promotion.

FICCI has urged its member chambers, associations and affiliated companies to promote and adopt this code of conduct in their enterprise level policies, as part of their 'corporate social responsibility'.

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