Government Confidently Rejects SC-ST Quota Controversy
New Delhi, August 10, 2024 – The recent Supreme Court decision regarding the identification of a creamy layer within the SC-ST quota was discussed in the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi on Friday. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav clarified that the NDA government is firmly committed to upholding the Constitution as outlined by Dr. Ambedkar and expressed their disagreement with the creamy layer provision in the SC-ST court.
Controversy Intensifies
Following the Supreme Court order to categorize SC-ST reservations and identify a creamy layer, tensions have escalated. Many SC-ST organizations, including Union Minister Chirag Paswan, have voiced their opposition to this decision. While the government had initially adopted a cautious approach, the Supreme Court bench recently examined the legal basis for state governments to create sub-categories within SC-ST for reservation purposes.
Government Response and Political Stance
The Supreme Court’s verdict on the inclusion of Valmiki and Mazhabi Sikhs under the reservation quota in Punjab sparked further debate. The government is currently reviewing this issue. The Cabinet meeting on Friday focused on addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the creamy layer within the SC-ST quota.
Commitment to Welfare
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of the SC/ST communities during a meeting with BJP MPs. He reaffirmed this stance in his subsequent social media post.
Additional Announcements
The Union Cabinet also approved several initiatives during the meeting, including:
Eight railway projects worth Rs 24,657 crore to enhance connectivity.
Construction of three million new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with two million in rural and one million in urban areas.
* Investment of Rs 1,766 crore in the Clean Plant Program to improve the quality of planting material in horticultural crops.