Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) submitted its report to Eighteenth Lok Sabha | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) submitted its report to Eighteenth Lok Sabha

Posted 04 Apr 2025

2 min read

The report examined the issues with Creamy Layer (CL) status among OBCs and recommended raising the income limit for creamy layer.

About Creamy Layer

  • The concept of creamy layer (more socio-economically advanced members among OBCs) arose out of the landmark Indra Sawhney case in 1992.
    • In Indira Sawhney case, Supreme Court upheld the 27% OBC reservation in civil posts subject to exclusion of creamy layer
  • Based on Ram Nandan Prasad Committee, constituted after judgement, creamy layer comprised two categories - people whose parents are/were in certain category of government services, and people earning above a threshold income. 
    • The threshold income was increased to Rs. 8 lakh in 2017. 

Key Observations of Committee

  • Creamy Layer Criteria: Uniform yardsticks are not being followed while applying income/wealth test to determine creamy layer status in certain states. 
    • Recommendation: States should follow uniform formula for determining creamy layer. 
  • Review of Creamy Layer Limit: Existing income limit of Rs. 8 lakh for determining creamy layer is low depriving a large segment of the OBC population from reservation benefits.
    • Recommendation: Fix a substantially higher income limit after consulting with stakeholders. 
  • Tags :
  • Fundamental Rights
  • Creamy Layer
  • Reservation Provisions
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