Congress sub-group proposes quotas in private sector

A Congress party sub-group has recommended the party’s Plenary resolution must include some novel poll promises ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

As per a report by Deccan Herald, the party is in favour of introducing quotas in the private sector. The reservation regime has been limited to government jobs and educational institutions so far. Introducing quotas in the private sector will change the way things are conducted in India. 

Quotas for OBCs in Parliament and Assemblies are also favoured by the sub-group, of which Jairam Ramesh is an important leader. 

A Rohit Vemula Act to protect SC-ST students against discrimination is also favoured by the sub-group. As is known, Rohit Vemula is a student from the Central University of Hyderabad who died by suicide in 2016 allegedly opposing a student group’s politics on the campus. 

The recommendations, if included by the Congress party, will result in sharp polarization in the run up to elections. Private sector quotas will be staunchly opposed by corporate leaders and some political parties as well.