Maharashtra Cabinet proposes income limit increase for non-creamy layer ahead of elections

The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to ask the central government to raise the income ceiling for the 'non-creamy layer' category to Rs 15 lakh per year from the existing Rs 8 lakh. This move comes before the assembly elections likely next month.

A non-creamy layer certificate is required to obtain reservation benefits in the OBC category. By increasing the income limit, more people from the OBC community can access these benefits and government schemes. This change is significant for families, including those of government employees, whose salaries have increased due to the Seventh Pay Commission.

Previously, CM Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana had raised the income limit for the creamy layer from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh before the elections. Experts believe this step was crucial in gaining SC and OBC votes in Haryana, where the BJP secured 48 seats.


The Maharashtra cabinet has also approved a draft ordinance to provide constitutional status to the Maharashtra state scheduled caste commission, which will be presented in the next legislative session. The commission will have 27 approved posts.

The BJP had experienced a loss of support among OBC voters due to the inclusion of Marathas in the OBC quota. The proposed increase seeks to address this issue and regain the trust of OBC voters by emphasizing their interests.

As the Maharashtra elections approach, this adjustment is seen as a strategy to reclaim OBC votes. The government has indicated that it will discuss the change with the Union government quickly, showing an urgency in addressing voter concerns.

The recent strategy in Haryana, which helped the BJP secure a significant number of SC and OBC votes, serves as a model for Maharashtra.