Govt likely to relax 'creamy layer' norms for OBC reservation

With a large number of vacancies in government jobs meant for OBCs remaining unfilled, the government is mulling over relaxing the ‘creamy layer’ criterion by raising the annual income ceiling to Rs 8 lakh.

The Ministry of Social Justice is working on a proposal in this regard, said official sources. A Cabinet note is likely to be moved soon.

As much as 27% of seats in government jobs and educational institutions are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), provided the annual income of the family is up to Rs 6 lakh. Those who earn above that are referred to as the ‘creamy layer’ and are not eligible for reservation.

Raising the ceiling would result in a larger pool of candidates becoming eligible for government jobs and seats in educational institutions. Member of the National Commission for Backward Classes Ashok Saini said the panel had suggested more than doubling the income ceiling to Rs 15 lakh.

“Even two decades after reservation (was introduced), out of the 27% allocated quota, it has been seen that only 12-15% gets utilised. The major reason behind this is the ceiling on annual income,” he said.