The Indian Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has confirmed that there is no provision for a “creamy layer” in the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) as per the Constitution crafted by B.R. Ambedkar. This decision follows recent Supreme Court suggestions to apply the creamy layer principle to these communities. The Cabinet’s stance reaffirms its commitment to upholding the constitutional provisions for SCs and STs.
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- The Union Cabinet has affirmed that the Constitution does not include a “creamy layer” provision for SC/ST reservations.
- The Cabinet’s confirmation follows a recent Supreme Court judgment proposing the creamy layer principle for SCs and STs.
- Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Cabinet’s stance after a meeting on August 10.
- The Supreme Court had suggested on August 1 that the creamy layer principle could be applied to SCs and STs for affirmative action benefits.
- A 7-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court was reviewing whether sub-classification within reserved categories is permissible.
- The majority of the Supreme Court bench overturned its 2004 judgment, which had previously ruled against preferential treatment within SCs.
- Prime Minister Modi met with a delegation of SC and ST MPs earlier in the day to discuss the issue.
- The delegation submitted a memorandum regarding the creamy layer observations made by the Supreme Court.
- Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of SC and ST communities.
- The NDA government maintains that its policies align with the original provisions set forth by B.R. Ambedkar in the Constitution.
