Hyderabad: The TS government is all set to increase the income ceiling for the “creamy layer” of Backward Classes seeking reservation in government jobs from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum.
The government can revise the ceiling once in three years; it was due this year, following the previous revision in 2013. BC unions have a Rs 10-lakh ceiling to bring more BCs under reservations.
In October 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes had recommended Rs 15 lakh. The creamy layer refers to relatively wealthier members of the BC community who will be excluded from reservations.
The income limit, which was Rs 1 lakh per annum in 1993, was revised to Rs 2.5 lakh in 2004, Rs 4.5 lakh in 2008 and Rs 6 lakh in 2013.
“The proposal to increase the income limit has been sent to the government and it is under active consideration. A decision is expected soon,” said an official of the BC Welfare department.
BC unions said that due to the creamy layer set at Rs 6 lakh, several BC students were losing reservation benefits and could not avail of the 25 per cent quota prescribed for BCs. Vacant posts were being diverted to general category, they said.
BC leader R. Krishnaiah, said, “Implementing the creamy layer only for BCs is wrong, when there is no creamy layer for other reserved categories. Everyone should realise that reservations are not meant to bridge the gap between rich and poor. Reservations are meant for providing social justice to deprived sections.”
Mr Krishnaiah said that nearly 70 years after Independence, BCs comprised less than 15 per cent of government employees. In higher level posts, it is less than 5 per cent.
“Due to the creamy layer, BC students could not utilise the quota and the vacant posts are being diverted to the general category,” he said.
The BC leader said even at the national level, though 27 per cent reservations were provided for OBCs, only 15 per cent of OBCs were getting jobs due to the creamy layer.
