No Provision For Creamy Layer In SC/ST Reservation Under Ambedkar's Constitution: Centre

The Union Cabinet on Friday clarified that the Constitution, as framed by Dr. BR Ambedkar, does not provide for a “creamy layer” within the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

In a briefing following the Cabinet’s meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed recent discussions triggered by a Supreme Court judgment on SC-ST reservations.

Vaishnaw stated said the Cabinet is of a well-thought-out view that the NDA government is committed towards the provisions of the Constitution.

“Supreme Court had pronounced a judgement regarding the reservation and a suggestion regarding SC and ST reservation. Today a detailed discussion took place during Cabinet…NDA govt is bound to the Constitution formed by BR Ambedkar. According to BR Ambedkar’s Constitution, in SC and ST’s reservation, there is no provision for creamy layer,” Vaishnaw said.

He reaffirmed that reservations for SCs and STs should be implemented in accordance with constitutional guidelines.

When asked whether the issue was raised by the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment or the Prime Minister, Vaishnaw said it is the well-thought-out view of the Cabinet.

(With inputs from agencies)