Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has stated that Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation benefits are applicable only to families classified under the non-creamy layer, with an annual income limit of Rs 8 lakh.
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions around reservation policy and eligibility criteria in the state.
Creamy Layer Criteria
Choudhary said that OBC families earning above Rs 8 lakh annually fall under the creamy layer category and are not eligible for reservation in government jobs or educational institutions.
He added that families earning below the threshold continue to receive reservation benefits as part of the non-creamy layer classification.
Purpose of Reservation Framework
According to the Chief Minister, the reservation system is designed to ensure that benefits reach socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
He said the creamy layer provision ensures that economically advanced families within backward classes do not repeatedly benefit from affirmative action, allowing opportunities to reach those in greater need.
Broader Policy Context
Choudhary also referred to the wider reservation structure, noting that income-based eligibility criteria are applied across multiple categories, including the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
He said the framework reflects an effort to balance social justice with targeted welfare distribution.
Political and Policy Debate
The remarks have triggered renewed attention on reservation policy in Bihar, where caste-based quotas remain a central political issue.
Analysts note that the clarification may further intensify debate around income thresholds and the scope of affirmative action in the state’s governance framework.
