Mismanagement of OBC Reservation and Creamy Layer Policy: Loksabha Unstarred Question No.1840
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1840
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.02.2026
MISMANAGEMENT OF OBC RESERVATION AND CREAMY LAYER POLICY
1840. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Ministry is aware that the current creamy layer limit is outdated, unrealistic and unfairly blocks thousands of genuinely struggling OBC students from accessing their rightful reservation benefits, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the reasons for which the Government has refused to release a transparent, caste-wise data report, despite repeatedly promising social justice reforms and this secrecy itself an injustice to millions waiting for policy correction;
(c) the reason for which the scholarship funds and post-matric assistance for OBC, SC/ST students are routinely delayed, slashed or left unused while students drop out due to financial pressure, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government is aware that many States lack proper monitoring of hostel facilities, skill centres and welfare schemes and the reason for not accepting the responsibility for the miserable conditions under which beneficiaries are forced to survive; and
(e) the reasons for which the Ministry has not initiated an independent review of reservation policies and creamy layer criteria when even the Supreme Court has signalled the need for periodic revision and evidence-based reform?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI B.L.VERMA)
(a): The revision of income limit is done on an on going basis from time to time. The latest order for revision of the annual income limit from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) on 13.9.2017. At present, there is no proposal for further revision of the OBC income limit.
(b): This Ministry does not maintain any such data.
(c): Scholarships under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the Scheme of “PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India for OBCs and others (PM YASASVI)” are disbursed as per the proposals received from States/UTs in accordance with the notional allocations to the concerned States/UTs. The Ministry undertakes periodic review of the implementation of schemes through third party evaluation studies. The studies have found that these are running satisfactorily and are achieving the desired objectives.
(d): This Ministry releases financial assistance to the States/UTs under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls. However, no fund is released for maintenance of Hostels. The Ministry undertakes periodic review of the Schemes by holding meetings at National level, Regional level, State level and field visits by Senior Officers and also through third party evaluation studies.
(e): The Government of India, through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) OM dated 8.9.1993 and other instructions issued from time to time, has directed that 27% of vacancies in direct recruitment to civil posts and services under the Government are reserved for OBCs (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes – SEBCs). The implementation of reservation policy is being done by the DoP&T.
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