Central Minister Chirag Paswan protested against the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to create a creamy layer within the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories for 15 percent of the quota. Chirag mentioned that his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will appeal against this.
According to PTI, during a press conference, Chirag Paswan expressed support for a caste census, a demand strongly pushed by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. However, he also believes that the results of such a census should not be publicized. Chirag mentioned that their party would request the Supreme Court to review its recent decision allowing a creamy layer within the 15 percent SC quota.
Chirag stated that the creamy layer cannot be permitted within SC-ST quotas. Allowing a creamy layer within the SC quota will not uplift the socially marginalized sections who have been victims of untouchability.
Allowing Creamy Layer in Scheduled Castes is Wrong
MP from Hajipur, Chirag expressed surprise that the terminology of untouchability was absent in the top court's decision. He explained that a majority of the Scheduled Castes, including individuals from affluent backgrounds and those with access to education, still face untouchability. Hence, permitting a creamy layer within the SC category is unjustified. Nevertheless, Chirag refrained from commenting on the stance of his coalition partner, JD(U), which welcomed the decision as a "validation" of policies implemented years ago by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who created the Mahadalit category in the state.
Supports Demand for Caste Census
When questioned about the demand for a caste census, Chirag said,
