No provision for 'creamy layer' in reservation for SC/STs: Centre
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said there was a detailed discussion at the meeting on a recent Supreme Court judgment that made certain suggestions on the reservation for the SCs and STs.
He said the cabinet is of a well-thought-out view that the NDA government is committed towards the provisions of the Constitution.
"According to the Constitution given by B.R. Ambedkar, there is no provision for a creamy layer in the SC-ST reservation," Vaishnaw said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met a delegation of MPs from the SC and ST communities, and reiterated the government's resolve for the welfare of the communities.
The delegation reportedly submitted a memorandum concerning the Supreme Court's recent observation on the "creamy layer" for SCs and STs.
"Met a delegation of SC/ST MPs today. Reiterated our commitment and resolve for the welfare and empowerment of the SC/ST communities," Prime Minister Modi posted on X after the meeting.
Notably, the Supreme Court on August 1 suggested the application of the creamy layer principle to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for availing benefits of affirmative action.
A 7-judge Constitution Bench was dealing with the question of whether a sub-classification amongst reserved category groups for giving more beneficial treatment would be permissible under the Constitution.
In a 6:1 decision, the majority overturned its 2004 judgement, which had ruled against giving preferential treatment to certain sub-castes within scheduled castes (SCs).
