The Hindu : Metropolitan backs `creamy layer' concept

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 23, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Metropolitan backs `creamy layer' concept

By Radhakrishnan Kuttoor

PATHANAMTHITTA, FEB. 22. The head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Church, Philipose Mar Chrysostum Mar Thoma Metropolitan, has said that the `creamy layer' among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should be excluded from the ambit of reservation if the Government is sincere about the uplift of the poor among weaker sections of society.

Talking to The Hindu here on Saturday, Mar Chrysostum said it was high time the Government showed its political will on the issue, otherwise the very purpose of the reservation policy would be defeated.

According to the Metropolitan, implementation of the Narendran Commission report as such amounts to denying social justice to the poorest among the under-privileged and weaker sections. Of late, certain quarters within and outside the Government have been pressing the Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, for implementation of the report.

Meanwhile, organisations like the Nair Service Society have demanded implementation of the K.J. Joseph Commission report which had recommended exclusion of the `creamy layer' from the ambit of reservation.

Mar Chrysostum said that people might be unaware of these reports or the ground reality thereof. Those who form part of the `creamy layer' should themselves desist from availing of the reservation benefits, ensuring the same to the weaker sections in their community.

He said it was not just to keep a Nelson's eye on the sad plight of economically backward sections among he forward communities. ``When I say these words, certain vested interests will criticise it as the words from a partisan Christian Church-head. But it would be a self-deceit if I fail to tell the truth.''

The Metropolitan said that ``though the reservation policy had its negative impact on the quality of administration, the social uplift of the under-privileged and the downtrodden would not have been possible without effectively empowering them.''

According to him, only a broad mental make-up rooted in love and compassion would help evolve a healthy society. ``Here secularism is only skin-deep. Everybody openly swears by secularism. But behind the scenes, they play the communal card. This is a dangerous trend in Kerala.''

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