States Empowered to Create Sub-Quotas in Reservations

The Indian government has reaffirmed that there is no constitutional provision for a "creamy layer" within the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This statement comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the sub-classification of these groups. Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government remains committed to adhering to the Constitution, which does not recognize a creamy layer in SC-ST reservations. During a Cabinet briefing, Vaishnaw clarified that the Cabinet's stance reflects a collective decision, not solely the views of individual ministers. He reiterated that any provisions regarding creamy layers should align strictly with constitutional guidelines. This statement was made amidst discussions surrounding the Supreme Court's observations on the matter. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also addressed the issue, urging the Opposition to refrain from misleading the public regarding the Supreme Court's comments on creamy layers. He pointed out that the reference made by a Supreme Court judge was merely an observation and not a formal part of the ruling. Meghwal's remarks were aimed at clarifying the legal standing of the creamy layer concept in the context of SC/ST reservations. The Supreme Court's recent 6-1 decision allows states to create sub-quotas within the reserved categories, aimed at uplifting more disadvantaged castes within the SC and ST groups, thereby enabling a more nuanced approach to social justice.