Fix creamy layer criteria without delay, say MPs

A parliamentary panel met to discuss the "creamy layer" issue for OBC reservations. The panel raised concerns about the delay in revising the income ceiling for OBC reservations. The current ceiling of Rs 8 lakh was set in 2017 and is due for revision. The panel urged the government to expedite the revision process.

File photo NEW DELHI: The twin controversies over determination of “creamy layer” for OBCs — pending revision of income ceiling and the practice of including “salary” in the “income” of backward candidates with PSU background qualifying UPSC exams — echoed in the meeting of a parliamentary panel on Wednesday, with members demanding that they be settled without further delay. The MPs complained that clubbing “salary” in “income” is hurting OBC candidates qualifying the civil services examinations. Sources said members, including one from BJP, in the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs , headed by BJP MP Ganesh Singh, questioned govt about the non-revision of income ceiling for OBC reservations .

They lamented it was last done in 2017 and is stuck at Rs 8 lakh. As per norms, the income ceiling is to be revised every three years to factor in inflation. With the secretary of social justice and empowerment and a senior DoPT official in attendance, sources said the panel members demanded that the revision be clinched without delay.

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