Creamy layer limit raised from 6 lakh to 8 lakh rupees

Thiruvananthapuram: Finally, it is official now. The state cabinet has taken a formal decision to raise the income ceiling of eligibility for non-creamy layer to eight lakh rupees from six lakhs so far. The new limit will be in effect from the date of its publication.

A proposal to this effect had been received earlier from Backward Communities Development Department for consideration of the cabinet and it was prepared for the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The cabinet took the decision accordingly.

The Central Government had raised the limit from six lakhs to eight lakhs by an order issued on 13 September 2017. But government of Kerala decided to not implement it then and to continue with the cut off limit of six lakhs rupees.

Although the Backward Communities Development Department put up a proposal, the chief minister returned the file with the stance that it need not be raised. This decision had been brought to light by 'Madhyamam' daily.

With the new cut-off figure, those who have a daily of income of Rs 2,191 will also become eligible for reservation and concessions as applicable, as against 1,643 when it is six lakhs.

Delay becomes denial

However, given that the state government had decided earlier not to implement the Central Government decision which was effective from September last year, many candidates for this year's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) have already lost their chance. Based on their income level, those in the income bracket between 6 and 8 lakhs could not claim eligibility, or produce a valid certificate of income below 8 lakhs.

Thus, with the curious stance of the state government for a span of months that turns critical for such students a section of Keralite candidates lost a precious opportunity which they would enjoy under the Central selections.

Although the state government could have taken a decision prior to the entrance examinations, it was not done. The government virtually sat on the decision. The Centre had in fact directed all related ministries and departments, and all states and union territories to take urgent measures to implement the decision. Kerala not only failed to take this up this in time, but even took a decision not to raise the limit right from the beginning. The ceiling will affect selections based on entrance tests, and in job reservations, scholarships and many other government benefits.