New Delhi, (Kiran News). The Central Government is considering a proposal aimed at ensuring fair distribution of reservation benefits within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community by aligning creamy layer norms across central and state governments, public sector undertakings, universities, and the private sector. Under this plan, employees in these sectors whose positions and pay fall within the creamy layer income criteria could be categorised as creamy layer, making them ineligible for OBC reservation benefits.
At present, OBC candidates in the “non-creamy layer” are entitled to 27% reservation in Central Government jobs and admissions to educational institutions, based on the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. The percentage varies in different states. The government’s objective is to revise the existing criteria so that reservation benefits reach the economically and socially weaker sections, while excluding affluent or high-ranking members of the community.
Income Limit and Existing Criteria
The concept of “creamy layer” was introduced into reservation policy following the Supreme Court’s 1992 judgment in the Indira Sawhney vs Union of India case. Initially, in 1993, the annual income limit was set at ₹1 lakh. This was revised in 2004, 2008, and 2013, and in 2017 it was increased to ₹8 lakh per annum — a figure that still applies today. Those considered socially and economically strong, holding constitutional posts, serving as Group A/Class I officers in central or state services, Group B/Class II officers, PSU employees, armed forces officers, professionals, industrialists, or large property owners are classified under creamy layer.
Departments Involved in the Proposal
According to reports, the proposal has been prepared after consultations among the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Education, Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Public Enterprises, NITI Aayog, and the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
Proposed Changes in Equivalence
Some equivalence measures were implemented in 2017 for certain Central PSUs, but these have yet to be extended to the private sector, universities, educational institutions, and various state government bodies. The government now intends to include these sectors.
For instance, teaching staff in universities — such as assistant professors, associate professors, and professors — typically start at pay level 10 or above, which is equal to or higher than Group A positions in government. The proposal suggests classifying these roles under creamy layer, which would make their children ineligible for OBC reservation benefits. Similarly, private sector employees whose positions and salaries match level 10 or above could also be included.
Impact on Other Sectors
The proposal further recommends that employees of central/state autonomous bodies and statutory organisations be categorised according to their pay scale or group level, matching equivalent positions in government. Non-teaching university staff, employees of state PSUs brought under the same equivalence norms as Central PSUs, senior officials of various boards, managers, and employees of government-aided institutions could also fall under creamy layer, provided their total annual income meets or exceeds the current ₹8 lakh limit.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment