The National Commission for Backward Classes on Tuesday forwarded a proposal to the Department of Personnel and Training and the Social Justice Ministry demanding a 27% quota for Other Backward Classes in private companies, reported Hindustan Times. NCBC member Shakeel-uz-Zaman Ansari said, “It has been a long-pending demand. Job opportunities in government and public sector are shrinking and it is the duty of the private sector to provide reservation to marginalised sections of the society.”

The NCBC also said that private companies have been getting a large number of benefits from the government for their growth, but sufficient candidates from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the OBC categories were not being hired in the sector. Experts said that the commission's suggestions are binding on the government unless the Centre sees strong reasons to reject the advice.

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi said the proposal was a poll gimmick by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. She added that the Centre's focus should be on creating a level playing field where everyone gets equal opportunities. BJP spokesperson Shaina NC, however, said that the proposal has been forwarded by the Opposition and the central government will take a call on it after a discussion with experts, reported NewsX.