Athawale Opposes Creamy Layer Criteria for SC/ST Reservations Amid SC Verdict

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale opposes the application of creamy layer criteria to SC/ST reservations following a Supreme Court verdict allowing sub-classifications. Athawale supports sub-classifications within SC/ST to ensure wider benefits but demands similar measures for OBCs and the general category. The court emphasized the necessity to exclude the creamy layer from reservation advantages.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has vehemently opposed any move to apply creamy layer criteria to reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), marking a significant stance following a recent Supreme Court ruling on sub-classifications within these communities for broader quota benefits.

Athawale, who leads the Republican Party of India (Athawale), highlighted that the Supreme Court's decision, allowing the sub-classification of SCs/STs by states, is a step toward ensuring justice for more backward castes within these groups.

Speaking on Friday, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment also advocated for similar sub-classifications for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and members of the general category, underscoring the RPI (A)'s strong opposition to applying creamy layer criteria to SC/ST reservations.

(With inputs from agencies.)