This census will map both the numbers and the incomes of various caste groups. Thereby providing a basis for those who call to exclude the 'creamy layer' from SC/ST reservation.
A bench headed by CJI Surya Kant has issued notice to states, union territories on the writ petition filed by an advocate under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The disgruntled Rajasthan BJP leader has previously left the party red-faced with his stand on its Lok Sabha losses as well as by flagging alleged corruption in the state.
Congress held many rounds of talks for crafting response to Supreme Court ruling, but with BJP opposing creamy layer for SC/STs, it realised it could not afford further dilly-dallying.
Over 100 BJP SC/ST MPs presented Modi a memorandum on the issue, say PM has 'assured them' it's just an observation. NDA allies & opposition parties, too, have expressed objections.
Court has affirmed jurisdiction of states to sub-classify SCs/STs to grant them separate quota within reserved category, says ultimate aim is to realise real equality in the country.
The income criterion for the creamy layer is revised every three years to adjust inflation. OBC outfits have been lobbying to have the policy of creamy layer done away with.
SC bench says panel to reassess reservation criteria was 'probably set up to justify' the criteria. It is likely to pronounce its verdict on petitions challenging EWS quota Friday.
The proposed changes were: Increasing annual income limit for quota eligibility to Rs 12 lakh from Rs 8 lakh, and making salaries part of the gross annual income yardstick.
Haryana has said children of those earning over Rs 6 lakh annually will be part of the creamy layer, adding that it will be the sum of all sources of income.
DMK govt accuses Centre of withholding funds, tightening borrowing, unilateral deductions from state accounts. Says Centre's accounting & funding decisions have 'artificially inflated' debt burden.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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