Valid ground for reservation in private sector: BJP

New Delhi: The recommendations of a central panel for 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in private sector jobs on Wednesday evoked favourable reactions from parties with the ruling BJP noting it can be done after creating a conducive atmosphere.

Welcoming the recommendations of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), BJP spokesperson Bizay Sonkar Shastri said there is "valid ground" for reservation in private sector but it can be provided only after creating a conducive atmosphere and it "should not be imposed."

There is valid ground for working towards making a conducive atmosphere as private sector gets many government concessions, including tax rebates and infrastructure like land and water at a concessional rate, Shastri said.

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has recommended that a legislation be passed under which private entities, including businesses, hospitals, schools, trusts, etc. Will have to reserve 27 per cent of jobs for OBCs.

The commission has written to the ministry and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in this regard.

Claiming that the BJP government is working towards creating a suitable atmosphere in this regard, Shastri said the UPA government did nothing in this direction.

The response of the main opposition party Congress was a bit guarded but it also appeared backing the move.

"Congress party has always taken steps to encourage equality in society. For this we brought the law to provide reservation to SC/ST as well as OBCs. We had also talked about reservation for SC/ST in private sector in our election manifesto.

"Then we had proposed that there is a need to do more for affirmative action, involving all stake holders. Everybody together should take decision, which is beneficial for all," party spokesperson RPN Singh said.

JD(U) and CPI strongly backed the recommendations.

"Our party stands for reservation in private sector also. We welcome the recommendation. About the percentage (extent of quota to be offered), it should be in line with Supreme Court judgement. Whatever possible, that should be given," CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said.

Party national secretary D Raja seconded Reddy and made a strong pitch for quotas for schedule castes and schedule tribes in private sector.

JD(U) general secretary KC Tyagi said, "we will support the government inside and outside Parliament if it brings a legislation on OBC reservation in private sector."