Call for Overhaul: OBC Creamy Layer Income Ceiling Under Scrutiny

A parliamentary committee on Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has strongly recommended revising the creamy layer income limit, citing the need to expand reservation benefits. This move reflects concerns that many eligible OBC families are being excluded due to an outdated income threshold, last adjusted in 2017.

The committee, in its report to Parliament, emphasized that current limits cover only a small OBC segment, underscoring the importance of periodic reviews. The lack of timely adjustments, despite inflation and increasing income levels, was highlighted by BJP MP Ganesh Singh, who chairs the panel. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment maintains there's no proposal to address this limit.

Other issues include the necessity of post equivalence between autonomous bodies and government employment to determine creamy layer eligibility. Despite previous acceptance of several committee recommendations, key unresolved proposals underline persistent gaps in addressing OBC welfare effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)