Union Cabinet Rejects Creamy Layer Provision in SC-ST Reservation

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirmed the lack of a 'creamy layer' provision in the SC-ST reservation as per the Constitution, following a Supreme Court judgement on sub-categorization. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the government's commitment to Ambedkar's constitution. SC/ST MPs’ delegation discussed the issue with Modi.

The Union Cabinet on Friday confirmed there's no provision for a 'creamy layer' in SC-ST reservations as per the Constitution framed by B.R. Ambedkar.

Chairing the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delved into the Supreme Court’s judgement on sub-categorizing reservations for SCs and STs.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government stands firm by the Constitution's stipulations on reservations.

The meeting also involved discussions on a recent Supreme Court ruling which suggested sub-classifications within the SC-ST categories.

Vaishnaw emphasized that any SC-ST reservation must align with Ambedkar's constitutional provisions.

Addressing queries, Vaishnaw highlighted that the Cabinet's views were well-thought-out, without any plans for legislative changes at the moment.

Earlier, SC/ST MPs met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss this issue.

Post-meeting, Modi affirmed his commitment to SC/ST welfare via social media.

This came after the Supreme Court's significant ruling enabling state governments to further classify communities within SC/ST lists based on empirical data.

Justice B.R. Gavai advocated for state policies to identify and exclude creamy layers from SC-ST reservations.