New Delhi, June 11
The creamy layer issue today came in for active consideration, with representatives from all states demanding a raise in the current income ceiling determining the layer. Right now, those with an annual family income of more than Rs 2.5 lakh fall in the category of creamy layer which is excluded from the benefits of OBC reservation.

The matter was raised by states at a special meeting called by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which is studying the desirability of enhancing the income ceiling in view of inflation. The commission is expected to recommend a raise in the current income ceiling, after inflation indexing of the same.

“We were eager to invite opinions on the subject from state backward class corporations. All of them want the creamy layer ceiling to be raised. Some want it to be more than doubled to about Rs 6 lakh,” sources in the commission told The Tribune.

The debate on the necessity to raise the income ceiling raged following the Supreme Court’s directions allowing 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in centrally educational institutions. The direction came with the condition that the government would exclude the creamy layer when granting this benefit.