Manjhi Advocates for Enhanced Support for Lagging Dalit Castes

A day after the Union Cabinet confirmed that the Constitution does not provide for a creamy layer in SC/ST reservations, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi urged the Centre to focus on Dalit castes that are falling behind. On Saturday, Manjhi, who served as Bihar Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015 and is now the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, highlighted the need for targeted measures to uplift these disadvantaged groups.

Manjhi attended the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday, where it was affirmed that there would be no provision for a creamy layer within SC and ST reservation quotas. He stated, "I requested the government to introduce provisions aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of those castes among Dalits who are currently lagging behind."

Targeted Measures for Disadvantaged Dalit Castes

Manjhi, founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha Secular and an NDA ally, noted that only a few Dalit castes benefit from the SC/ST reservation system. He explained, "Only three to four castes among Dalits are reaping the full benefits of the reservation system, including gaining positions as IAS and IPS officers and engineers. Meanwhile, several other Dalit groups, such as Bhuiya, Musahar, Dom, and scavengers, continue to lag significantly behind due to a lack of education and other factors."

The Union Cabinet's decision was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It reaffirmed that there is no constitutional provision for a creamy layer within the SC-ST reservation framework as outlined by B R Ambedkar. This decision has been welcomed by Bihar BJP leaders.

Support from Bihar BJP Leaders

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed his support for the Cabinet's decision. He said, "The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold the constitutional provisions laid out by Dr B R Ambedkar. There is no provision for a ‘creamy layer’ in SC/ST reservation according to the Constitution."

Manjhi emphasised that specific measures must be implemented to uplift disadvantaged castes within the Dalit community. He pointed out that benefits from the SC/ST reservation system are predominantly enjoyed by only a few Dalit castes.

The Cabinet's decision ensures that SC/ST reservations will remain as per constitutional guidelines. This move aims to maintain fairness and equality within the reservation system without introducing a creamy layer.

The reaffirmation of no creamy layer provision in SC/ST reservations aligns with Dr B R Ambedkar's vision. The government remains committed to supporting all Dalit castes equally under this framework.

This decision underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities among various Dalit castes. It highlights the need for targeted efforts to uplift those who are still lagging behind due to educational and other barriers.

Ensuring equal opportunities for all Dalit castes within the reservation system is crucial. The government's stance aims to promote inclusivity and fairness across all sections of society.

The focus now shifts towards implementing effective measures that can bridge the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged Dalit castes. This approach seeks to create a more balanced and equitable society.

By maintaining constitutional guidelines without introducing a creamy layer, the government aims to uphold justice and equality for all SC/ST communities.