The term 'creamy layer', used in the context of reservations for Other Backward Classes, refers to:

The term "creamy layer" refers to the relatively advanced and well-off members of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) who are excluded from the benefits of reservation. They are identified mainly on the basis of income, wealth and the status of their parents.

Origin of the concept:

• The concept was laid down by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), also called the Mandal case.
• The Court upheld 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in central government jobs, but directed that the creamy layer among OBCs should be excluded.
• The reason was that reservation should benefit those who are really backward, not those who have already progressed.

How the creamy layer is determined:

• Children of persons holding constitutional posts, such as President, judges, members of the UPSC and the CAG.
• Children of Group A and Group B officers of central and state services, subject to certain conditions.
• Children of high-ranking officers of the armed forces and paramilitary forces.
• Children of professionals and persons with high income or wealth.
• Children of persons whose family income exceeds a limit fixed by the government; the present limit is 8 lakh rupees per year, revised in 2017.

Purpose:

• To ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most backward among the OBCs.
• To prevent a few advanced families from taking most of the benefits.

Application to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:

In the Jarnail Singh case (2018), the Supreme Court held that the creamy layer principle can be applied to SCs and STs in promotions.

Sub-categorisation of OBCs:

A commission headed by Justice G. Rohini was set up to examine sub-categorisation of OBCs to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The other options do not describe the creamy layer; the creamy layer is about excluding advanced sections, not the poorest or toppers.