New Delhi, Aug 10 (FN Bureau) Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that there is no provision for a ‘creamy layer’ within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories. “Union Cabinet has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional provisions established by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It is important to note that, according to the Constitution, there is no provision for a ‘creamy layer’ within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories,” the Minister said her while briefing the media on Cabinet decisions.
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court recently said states can sub-classify SCs and STs to give benefit to more backward castes within these groups. The apex court’s decision to allow quota within quota had triggered protests from a section of the caste groups and their leaders. Many of these leaders wanted assurance from the government over maintaining the status quo on the current reservation policy.