The responsibility of the creamy layers in SC/STs

It is true that the creamy layers within SC/ST have benefited a lot through reservation policy. Some of these people are occupying higher posts in State and Central Government jobs. Some people have occupied ministerial posts and some even the highest executive and judicial posts. If the offspring  of this group continue to reap the benefits of the reservation policy to the detriment of their poor SC/STs, there will be widening gap in their economic and other status. By reservation and giving some extra benefits to certain castes the nation aims equality in society. But if things go at this rate, there will be total inequality among the same caste itself. This is not to say that the creamy layer should not enjoy the benefits. Although the Supreme Court in its judgment on the promotion issue for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes has opined that the creamy layer concept should be applied to them, the Constitution has no provision for creamy layer within the scheduled castes and tribes precisely because of the compelling realities of their socio-economic oppression and exploitation. It is unfortunate that the court has ignored the social reality while pronouncing judgment on such a vital issue.

However, the pointer to the issue is that the poor SC/STs require a lift from their fortunate brethren notwithstanding the provisions for reservation being in existence. The creamy layers in SC/ST have a role to play in shaping the future of the poor. It is not fair to leave everything to the Governments to look after the welfare of the people.  The rich and the affluents who reaped the benefits of economic advancement should come forward to take the poor in their arms and make them inclusive in economic and educational participation. There are many ways of involving the poor in the mainstream of economic and social reconstruction of the society.  

First, the creamy layers who are in business or occupying higher status in society , as responsible citizens, should set aside a chunk of their earnings every month, say, a certain percentage of their earnings to the welfare of their poor SC/STs. The money so collected will form a Welfare Fund which will act a source of finance for economic activities of the poor.

Second, the salaried SC/ST would have to contribute a minimum percentage  of their gross earnings to   deposite the same to the Welfare Fund which is to be monitored by a Committees in every state formed by the State Governments consisting purely of members of SC/STs with a Government nominee.

Third, any donations whether inland or foreign received for this purpose can also be part of the fund.

Fourth, the Creamy layers can start a Co operative Bank state-wise  on a sharing basis with State Government's contribution of 

70% and the balance  30% from the  SC/STs. This funds can be utilized for loans for industry and business run the SC/STs.

Fifth, the educated youth and intellectual play a very important role in the field of education. They can conduct free coaching classes for the poor for preparation of administrative, technical and professional examinations.

Sixth, the intellectual and social group can conduct awareness programmes in the social, educational, political and cultural fields so as to make the poor SC/ST conscious of their role in the society.

Instead of having mushroom of associations and organizations established by the SC/STs for their welfare programmes , it would be better if each and every association is earmarked for a dedicated purpose say one association is for Education, another is for Health programme , the third one is for  Cultural and sports activities ,the fourth one is for Political awareness  etc. The important point is that these organizations will have to operate without any political attachment.

WHO ARE THE CREAY LAYERS?