BJP’s SC-ST MPs met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision on reservation sub-categorization. They presented a memorandum requesting that the Supreme Court’s decision to implement reservation within reservation (sub-categorization) and the application of the creamy layer concept to SC-ST reservations should not be enforced. In response, BSP leader Mayawati has called for a constitutional amendment to counter the Supreme Court’s ruling.
PM Modi’s Assurance
Prime Minister Modi met with SC-ST MPs from his party on Friday. During the meeting, the MPs handed over a memorandum to the PM. The memorandum requested that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding sub-categorization and the application of the creamy layer to SC-ST reservations should not be implemented. According to sources, the Prime Minister assured the MPs that the government would consider their demands. BSP leader Mayawati welcomed this assurance and demanded that the government bring a constitutional amendment to nullify the Supreme Court’s decision.
Mayawati’s Demand
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP leader Mayawati took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her views. She wrote, “It is appropriate and welcome that the Honorable Prime Minister has assured the SC-ST MPs that their demands to not implement the creamy layer concept and sub-categorization in SC-ST reservations will be considered.”
However, Mayawati pointed out that it would have been better if the Attorney General representing the central government had not argued in favor of applying the creamy layer and sub-categorization for SC-ST reservations during the Supreme Court’s hearing. She believes that the decision might not have been reached otherwise.
Mayawati emphasized that until the Supreme Court’s August 1, 2024 decision is nullified through a constitutional amendment, state governments might misuse it for political gain by implementing sub-categorization and the creamy layer concept. Therefore, she urged that a constitutional amendment bill be introduced in the current session.
SC-ST MPs’ Meeting with PM Modi
On Friday, BJP MPs from SC-ST communities met with PM Modi. The Prime Minister shared pictures of the meeting on his X handle, reiterating his commitment to the welfare and empowerment of SC-ST communities.
During the meeting, the MPs presented a memorandum expressing their concerns over the Supreme Court’s remarks on applying the creamy layer concept to SC-ST reservations. The MPs requested that this decision should not be implemented in their communities. PM Modi assured them that he would look into the matter.
Supreme Court’s Decision on SC-ST Reservation
On August 1, the Supreme Court ruled that states have the constitutional authority to create sub-categories within scheduled castes to ensure that the most socially and educationally backward castes receive reservation benefits. The court stated that sub-categorization should be based on measurable and demonstrable data of backwardness and underrepresentation in government jobs, not on political motivations.
