New Delhi: As intended by B.R. Ambedkar, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have no “creamy layer” of reservation in the Constitution, according to the Union Cabinet, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held a press briefing on Friday following the cabinet meeting. He said the meeting covered a recent Supreme Court ruling that included recommendations about reservations for SCs and STs.
He said the cabinet has a well-thought-out view that the NDA government is committed to the Constitution’s provisions.
“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 to improve their welfare.
The delegation reportedly submitted a memorandum concerning the Supreme Court’s recent observation on the “creamy layer” for SCs and STs.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi took to X to share his thoughts. He reiterated the government’s commitment and resolve to the welfare and empowerment of the SC/ST communities.
It’s important to note that the Supreme Court, on August 1, made a significant suggestion. The Court recommended applying the ‘creamy layer’ principle to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for them to avail themselves of affirmative action benefits.
A 7-judge Constitution Bench was considering 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).
–IANS
