Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Centre of enabling “systemic exclusion” of marginalised communities from major public contracts, claiming that the government lacks data on the participation of Dalit, Adivasi, and backward class entrepreneurs in large-scale public works.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi said he had raised the issue in Parliament, seeking details on the allocation of Rs 16,500 crore worth of public works contracts awarded in the previous year. “I asked the government in Parliament — out of Rs 16,500 crore worth of public works contracts awarded last year, how many were given to businesses owned by Dalits, Adivasis, and backward classes?” he wrote.
Calling the government’s response “deeply concerning,” he added, “the government does not maintain any data on this.”
Gandhi further pointed to existing procurement norms, noting that policy mandates 25% of public procurement from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with 4% earmarked for Dalit and Adivasi entrepreneurs. However, he alleged that these provisions are not enforced in the case of large public works contracts. “When it comes to the largest and most lucrative contracts—public works—the government says this is not ‘mandatory,'” he said.
Describing the issue as more than an administrative shortcoming, the Congress leader alleged that it reflects a deeper structural problem. “This is not merely an administrative gap. It is a system of exclusion deliberately created through the policies of the Modi government, which undermines social and economic justice,” he stated.
He also raised broader concerns about equitable access to economic opportunities, asking, “Why are Bahujan entrepreneurs being kept out of the country’s largest public contracts.”
The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over affirmative action and inclusivity in economic policy. Public procurement has been identified as a key avenue for promoting entrepreneurship among underrepresented communities, with successive governments highlighting the role of MSMEs in job creation and economic growth.
While the government has introduced measures to boost participation of smaller enterprises in procurement processes, critics argue that implementation gaps and lack of transparency continue to limit the intended benefits. The issue is likely to remain a point of contention as opposition parties push for greater accountability and data disclosure in public spending.
