A growing rift has surfaced between the central government and the Madhya Pradesh administration regarding the enforcement of creamy layer criteria for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates. From 2015 to 2024, the Centre rejected the appointments of 91 IAS candidates after determining that they belonged to the creamy layer, making them ineligible for OBC reservation benefits.
Madhya Pradesh’s Lenient Approach
While the Centre has taken a strict stand on creamy layer enforcement, Madhya Pradesh has faced criticism for its lax implementation. Over 150 complaints regarding possible violations are still pending before the state’s screening committee, which has been accused of negligence and inaction.
According to Saurav Kumar Suman, Commissioner for Backward Classes, 40 active cases involving questionable OBC caste certificates are currently under scrutiny. Notices have been issued and hearings are ongoing—but the overall pace and rigor of the investigation trail behind the Centre’s standards.
State Committee Cites Challenges
The state screening committee has defended its slow progress, citing:
The requirement to reassess income eligibility every three years, complicating the process.
Lack of clear, consistent guidelines for verifying creamy layer status, resulting in delays and mounting backlogs.
Case Studies Reveal Inconsistencies
The issue first drew public attention with the 2022 cancellation of Dr. Sharad Chaudhary’s appointment as Dean of Rajmata Scindia Agricultural University. The decision, based on his creamy layer status, was upheld by the High Court.
In stark contrast, no action has been taken against Avinash Shivaria, an Assistant Engineer appointed through MPPSC in April 2011. He had submitted an outdated creamy layer certificate, even though his income exceeded the prescribed threshold at the time.
Parliament Confirms Centre’s Firm Stance
During a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh confirmed that 91 IAS candidates’ appointments had been withheld over creamy layer violations from 2015 to 2024. In the same discussion, MPs questioned why the creamy layer rule applies exclusively to OBCs in recruitment processes.
Creamy Layer Income Threshold – An Overview
July 28, 2006: ₹2.5 lakh per annum
October 14, 2008: Raised to ₹4.5 lakh
Current (Central Government): ₹8 lakh per annum
Although Madhya Pradesh has adopted the ₹8 lakh limit, the implementation framework is still perceived as weak, raising serious concerns about equity and transparency in the state’s recruitment procedures.
