National · 7 updates
Union government argues that judicial precedent has laid down creamy layer concept does not apply to SCs and STs; the majority of welfare schemes, except quota for education and State services, already have a means test ensuring ‘benefits of schemes percolate to those who actually deserve them’
The Centre also opposed extending the “creamy layer” principle to SCs and STs, arguing that SC precedent has consistently confined the doctrine to OBCs.
The government is against extending the creamy layer to SC and ST reservation benefits, emphasizing that the challenges these communities face are rooted in more than economic issues. Reservation serves to right historical wrongs and ensure equitable access. The Supreme Court has permitted states to categorize castes within SC groups, but only Parliament holds the power to amend the lists of SC and ST populations eligible for these allocations.
The Centre said the reservation policy is "not solely based on economic status," but rather on historical and social criterion.
Post the Indra Sawhney judgement, the Government of India laid out detailed directions for carving out the creamy layer from OBCs, the idea of sub-categorising spread beyond the OBC classification
Mayawati opposes 'creamy layer' for SCs, STs in reservation, hits out at RSS
Mayawati urged the RSS to respect the Constitution and stop advocating any changes to the reservation system.