Creamy Layer and Reservation Benefits

What is Creamy Layer?

The creamy layer refers to individuals who are economically better off in the backward classes (OBCs) and are not eligible for reservation benefits. The creamy layer exclusion is based on an income threshold.

Who Will Get the Benefit?

Benefits of reservation are provided to members of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, the creamy layer within the OBCs is excluded from availing these benefits.

Provision of SC-ST and OBC Quota in the Constitution

The Constitution provides reservation benefits for SC, ST, and OBC categories to ensure social justice:

• SC (Scheduled Castes): 15% reservation in jobs and educational institutions.
• ST (Scheduled Tribes): 7.5% reservation in jobs and educational institutions.
• OBC (Other Backward Classes): 27% reservation, with creamy layer exclusion for those economically better off.

Supreme Court Verdict (2024)

The Supreme Court ruling in 2024 allows for the creation of sub-categories within the SC-ST reservation to better target the most disadvantaged members. The creamy layer concept was also emphasized, especially in the context of OBCs.