Central Government Other Backward Classes (OBC)ReservationThe government is preparing for a big change in the government.
It is reported that the government is seriously considering implementing the ‘creamy layer’ income criteria in various central and state government organizations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), universities and the private sector as well. Its aim is to establish ‘equality’ in all these sectors.
The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that several rounds of discussions have been held on this issue between Social Justice and Empowerment, Education, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Law, Labour and Employment, Public Enterprises, Niti Aayog and National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), after which this proposal has been prepared.
What is creamy layer?
In the landmark 1992 Supreme Court case Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (Mandal decision)’Creamy Layer’ within OBCThe concept of income tax was introduced in 1993. In 1993, the annual income limit for non-government employees was fixed at Rs 1 lakh. However, it has been changed several times since then and in 2017 it was increased to Rs 8 lakh.
Those in the ‘creamy layer’ include people in constitutional posts, Group-A/Class-I and Group-B/Class-II officers of the All India Services, PSU employees, armed forces officers, big businessmen-industrialists and rich people based on property or income.
Why is ‘equality’ necessary?
In some central PSUs, ‘equality’ was decided in 2017, but it has not happened yet in the private sector, universities and state departments. According to sources, the salary of assistant professor, associate professor and professor in universities is level-10 or above, which is equal to government group-A posts. In such a situation, there is a proposal to bring them into the ‘creamy layer’. This means that their children will not be able to take advantage of OBC reservation.
Whereas in the private sector, it is difficult to decide ‘equality’ because of different positions and salary structures, hence it is suggested to take the decision on the basis of income/property.
What’s in the new proposal?
Now, under the new proposal, posts like Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor in universities can be considered equivalent to Group-A and placed in the ‘creamy layer’, due to which their children will not get the benefit of OBC reservation. In the private sector, the ‘creamy layer’ will be determined on the basis of income/property.
There are plans to implement parity in terms of position and pay scale in state and central autonomous bodies, statutory organisations and government-aided institutions.
Management and board-level positions in state PSUs will also be included in the ‘creamy layer’, although those earning less than Rs 8 lakh will be excluded.
Many cases are pending in the Supreme Court and High Court on this issue. The government believes that clear rules will end disputes and OBCs will get more employment opportunities. According to a top official, ‘This step will increase employment opportunities for OBCs and will strengthen the goal of self-reliant India.’
