Finally, Kerala going to raise creamy layer ceiling to 8 lakhs

Finally the state government has decided to raise the income ceiling of eligibility for non-creamy layer to eight lakh rupees from six lakhs so far.

A proposal to this effect has been received from Backward Communities Development Department for consideration of the cabinet and it is expected that the next cabinet meeting will take a decision based on this.

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.

Minister in charge of backward communities' development AK Balan clarified in the State Assembly that the Centre's decision for raising the limit was under the consideration of the state government. 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. The government will take necessary steps to implement this. Minister Balan also explained that the proposal was not before the government earlier, and it has been discussed with the chief minister and now under active consideration.

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 upcoming medical entrance tests have already lost their chance.

With the curious stance of the state government, a section of Keralite candidates lost a precious opportunity which they would enjoy under the Central selections. This is so because applications were considered, and certificates attached to them for being considered under eligible categories, based on the ceiling of six lakhs.

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.