Union Minister Manjhi Calls for Targeted Upliftment of Disadvantaged Dalit Castes

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi urged the government to address the needs of disadvantaged Dalit castes, citing that only a few benefit from the current reservation system. He stressed the importance of targeted measures for upliftment and called for provisions to improve socio-economic conditions of various underprivileged Dalit groups.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has called on the government to take specific measures to uplift disadvantaged Dalit castes that are not benefiting from the current reservation system. Speaking on Saturday, Manjhi noted the absence of a 'creamy layer' provision within SC/ST reservations and emphasized the need for targeted socio-economic improvements.

Manjhi, who served as Bihar Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015 and is now the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, pointed out that only a few Dalit castes reap the full benefits. He urged the government to introduce specific measures to uplift lagging Dalit groups such as Bhuiya, Musahar, Dom, and scavengers.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed on Friday there is no constitutional provision for a 'creamy layer' within SC/ST reservations. Bihar BJP leaders welcomed the decision, with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reiterating the government's commitment to uphold constitutional guidelines.