On 1st August, the Supreme Court delivered a historic verdict on the issue of reservations, allowing for the classification within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservation categories. This decision enables the creation of sub-quotas within the existing reservation framework and emphasizes the need to identify and exclude the creamy layer from SC and ST reservations.
Sub-Classification within SC/ST Reservations
The Supreme Court’s ruling means that sub-classification can be implemented within the SC/ST reservation categories to benefit sub-groups that have been unable to access the benefits of reservations adequately. For instance, sub-castes within the SC category that remain significantly underrepresented in government jobs can be prioritized within the existing quota to ensure they receive the benefits intended for their upliftment.
Need to Identify the Creamy Layer
The court stressed the importance of identifying and excluding the creamy layer within the SC and ST categories from the benefits of reservations. This principle, previously applied only to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation, will now extend to SC/ST reservations. The court highlighted the necessity of collecting data indicating the lack of adequate representation and backwardness to ensure that only those genuinely in need receive the benefits of reservations.
At the End
The Supreme Court’s decision introduces significant changes to the reservation policy by enabling the creation of sub-quotas and identifying the creamy layer within the SC/ST categories. This move aims to ensure that the most marginalized groups within these communities receive the intended benefits and upliftment, making the reservation system more equitable and effective.
