Mumbai, May 30: Close on the heels of the opposition BJP's demand for reservations for economically backward classes, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal today sought 14 per cent reservations quotas in education and jobs on economic criteria for upper castes. "Many in the upper class are facing problems due to poverty and reservations should be made for them in education and jobs on the lines of Rajasthan", Bhujbal, who also holds the home portfolio and a senior NCP leader, said in a letter written to Chief Minister Sushil kumar Shinde here.

Maharashtra is a progressive state as far as social reforms are concerned, Bhujbal said adding, along with Dalits, other backward classes, tribals and nomadic tribes, reservations should be made available for economically backward people in the upper class too.

The government must bring a proposal to this effect before the cabinet for early consideration, Bhujbal requested the chief minister.

Earlier, BJP state unit had demanded that at least 10 per cent reservations be made for economically backward classes.

Bureau Report