Quota norm must for pvt units getting govt aid

With the additional 21% quota for Maratha and Muslims, reservation in govt jobs and educational institutions in the state has gone up to 73 per cent

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday clarified that it won’t be mandatory for the private sector as a whole to reserve 16 per cent seats for Maratha and five per cent for Muslim communities in education and employment. However, the new quota plan will be applicable in those private sector units and educational institutes receiving the state government’s aid in the form of concessions on land prices or grants.

The state government’s quota plan will be applicable to all government undertakings and semi-government organisations. The government has already promulgated an ordinance and issued directives in this regard.

With the additional 21 per cent quota for Marathas and Muslims, reservation in government jobs and educational institutions in the state has gone up to 73 per cent — way beyond the 50 per cent limit set by the Supreme Court. At present, the Bombay High Court is currently hearing a public interest litigation, challenging the government’s decision.

Minister for Minority Welfare Naseem Khan told Business Standard: “The government decision will not be applicable for all private sector units. However, government-aided private educational institutes will have to provide quota for members of the Maratha and Muslim communities. Besides, it will also be applicable to those private sector units which have received government aid.”

Khan reiterated that all government and semi-government organisations will have to strictly implement the quota decision.

An NCP minister, who did not want to be named, said there has been a demand from various organisations representing Maratha and Muslim communities for quota in all private sector undertakings.

The Indian Merchants’ Chamber said it is concerned about the manner in which the reservation issue is being handled and promoted. IMC President Prabodh Thakker said the new mechanism seems more political rather than having socio, economic content.
 

''IMC is not appreciative of the current announcement of reservation in Maharashtra, we support the stance that weaker section should be given a helping hand in skill development. IMC will lead from the front as an enabler,'' he added.