The Maharashtra government wants industries in the state to provide 50 to 80 per cent jobs to local people.

In its resolution, the State Industries and Labour Department has asked all industries, including small, medium and large enterprises to employ at least 50 per cent locals in managerial jobs and 80 per cent in other categories. The government’s resolution, being a policy directive, does not require approval from the state cabinet.

According to the department, giving preference to locals has been a long standing-policy in Maharashtra. Even though the policy was in place nearly 40 years back, the latest resolution has ensured an improved framework for monitoring its implementation. According to the resolution, a committee headed by district collectors with representatives from various sectors, will be set up to monitor implementation of the plan, known as the "sons-of-the-soil" policy.

The committee will work with a state-level coordination committee reporting to the development commissioner for industries, to review the policy at least three times a year. The resolution defines a native of Maharashtra as a person who has spent a minimum of 15 years in Maharashtra, irrespective of their mother tongue.

The government’s decision to revive the 1968 resolution is seen as a attempt to disrupt Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ( MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's plans. Raj Thackeray sent nearly 45,000 letters to industrialists demanding 100 per cent job reservation for Marathi speakers in new industries. He also demanded that non-Maharashtrian employees be replaced with locals in all industries. Party leaders emphasised that corporates have no choice in the affair.

Although the Indian Merchants' Chamber expressed its displeasure in a statement, it was soon withdrawn. According to corporates, the MNS is exceeding its limits and everyone should be given equal opportunities in a cosmopolitan city like Mumbai. X