The Union Cabinet has firmly rejected the Supreme Court’s call for the exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’ from Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) reservation, citing the absence of such a provision in the Constitution. This decision comes amidst concerns within the SC/ST communities and a meeting between BJP’s SC/ST MPs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upholding Constitutional Provisions on SC/ST Reservation
The Cabinet, after a detailed discussion, reiterated the NDA government’s commitment to the provisions of the Constitution as envisaged by B.R. Ambedkar. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the Constitution does not provide for a ‘creamy layer’ within the SC/ST reservation framework.
Assurances from the Prime Minister
Prior to the Cabinet’s decision, BJP’s SC/ST MPs met with Prime Minister Modi to express their concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s observations. They received assurances that the government would not take any steps toward implementing the ‘creamy layer’ exclusion.
The Supreme Court’s Landmark Verdict
On August 1, the Supreme Court, in a landmark 6-1 majority verdict, ruled that Scheduled Castes do not constitute a socially homogeneous class and can be sub-classified by States for reservation purposes. While the verdict itself did not mandate the exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’, four judges expressed their support for such a move.
Political Ramifications
The BJP has not yet officially stated its stance on the August 1 judgment. However, its ally LJP (Ram Vilas), which relies on Dalit support, has expressed its disagreement with the verdict and intends to file a review petition. The issue has the potential to become politically charged, with opposition parties criticizing the government’s stance.
Key Learning Points
Key Learning Point | Description |
---|---|
Rejection of ‘Creamy Layer’ Exclusion | The Union Cabinet has firmly rejected the Supreme Court’s call for the exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’ from SC/ST reservation. |
Upholding Constitutional Provisions | The government has reiterated its commitment to the provisions of the Constitution as envisaged by B.R. Ambedkar. |
Supreme Court Verdict | The Supreme Court’s August 1 verdict allows states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes. |
Political Ramifications | The issue has the potential to become politically charged, with opposition parties criticizing the government’s stance. |
Summary: The Union Cabinet has rejected the Supreme Court’s call for the exclusion of the ‘creamy layer’ from SC/ST reservation, citing the absence of such a provision in the Constitution. This decision comes amidst concerns within the SC/ST communities and a meeting between BJP’s SC/ST MPs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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