At a Cabinet meeting held yesterday, the Mayawati Government offered sops to private entrepreneurs for setting up units in the state. In exchange, it wants 30 per cent reservation of jobs for members of the Scheduled Caste, Other Backward Classes (OBC), minorities and the “economically backward upper castes” — in sync with the rainbow coalition which led to her electoral triumph.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Shailesh Krishna, principal secretary to the Chief Minister, said this would be a voluntary arrangement. “The units which do not want special rebates and concessions from the State Government may go ahead without implementing reservations,” he said.

While the details are yet to be worked out, Krishna said the sops would include concession in stamp duty, relaxation in trade tax, excise rebate and “many other facilities”. Those buying sick public sector units belonging to the State Government would also get a loan waiver. A draft policy will soon be prepared, giving details of the facilities that the entrepreneurs would be entitled to.

Krishna informed that of the 30 per cent quota being sought, 10 per cent jobs would be reserved for Scheduled Caste, 10 per cent for OBCs and minorities, and 10 per cent for the economically backward upper castes.

According to the principal secretary, existing industrial units can also avail of the sops if they make provisions for the reservation. Besides industrial units, educational institutions and service sector projects can also benefit from the decision.

Reserve 10% jobs for SC/ST, 10% for OBC, minorities, 10% for upper-caste poor and you get:

• Stamp duty concession

• Trade tax relaxation; excise rebate

• Loan waiver for buying sick PSUs; “many other facilities” still being worked out