Hyderabad: Backward Classes are divided over the increase in the income limit for the creamy layer to avail reservation benefits in education and employment.
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended doubling of the creamy layer income limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per year.
However, a majority of the backward classes in Telangana, out of the notified 87 BCs in the state, have demanded an increase only up to Rs 8 lakh since Rs 12 lakh limit would adversely affect the poorer candidates among BCs and defeat the very purpose of reservations.
They argue that increasing the income limit to Rs 12 lakh per year would amount to a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh per month, which would extend the reservation benefit to the economically well-off sections of BCs.
They point out that families earning Rs 1 lakh per month can afford better education opportunities for their wards in cities and urban areas and there is a danger of these sections garnering a major share of reservations in jobs and education opportunities and deprive quota benefit to poorer sections.
BC organisations representing castes such as Budabukkala, Dommara, Medari, Kummara, Kuruma etc., have lodged their complaints with NCBC over doubling the creamy layer limit on the ground that well-off sections of BCs like Gouds, Padmasalis, Yadavs, Mudirajs etc. will corner a major share of reservations.
However, BC Welfare Association national president R. Krishnaiah said this demand was not justified as the benefit on account of raising the income limit for some sections would be minimal and the government should instead try to categorise BC castes to eight from the present four to ensure equitable opportunities for all.
“Reservations should be not seen in the context of income limit but in the context of social stigma. Reservations are meant to provide equitable opportunities to BCs, SCs, STs etc., who faced social discrimination for centuries. Instead of focusing on income limit, the BC Commission and the government should try to increase categorisation of castes,” he said.
