Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Talks About SC/ST Reservations, Farmers’ Income, and New Railway Projects
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Friday that there is no provision for a creamy layer in SCs and STs reservation in the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar, and the NDA government is bound to follow that Constitution. This statement came after the Supreme Court ruled that states have the power to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and can evolve a policy for identifying the creamy layer to exclude them from affirmative action benefits.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed the Supreme Court judgment on the sub-categorization of reservations for SCs and STs. Vaishnaw emphasized that according to Ambedkar’s Constitution, there is no provision for a creamy layer within SC and ST reservations.
Vaishnaw also announced a major decision to improve farmers’ income through the Clean Plant Program. He explained that horticulture can be a significant income source for farmers, but viruses in plants have reduced productivity. To address this, nine institutions will be transformed into clean plant centers, and 75 nurseries will be established for clean mother planting material replication.
Additionally, Vaishnaw highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana as a transformative scheme. In the last 10 years, 4 crore houses have been built under this scheme, resulting in significant social transformation. A detailed discussion took place regarding the construction of 3 crore additional houses, with a budget provision of Rs 3,60,000 crore. Of these, 2 crore houses will be built in rural areas and 1 crore in urban areas.
The Union Cabinet also approved eight major railway projects that will cover aspirational and tribal districts. These projects are expected to reduce around 767 crore kilograms of carbon dioxide, equivalent to planting 30 crore trees.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Ashwini Vaishnaw -: Ashwini Vaishnaw is an important person in the Indian government. He is responsible for looking after certain areas like railways and technology.
SC/ST Reservations -: SC/ST Reservations are special rules in India that help people from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) get better opportunities in education and jobs.
Creamy Layer -: The ‘creamy layer’ refers to the wealthier and more educated members of the backward classes. The idea is to exclude them from reservations so that benefits reach the poorer members.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes the final decisions on important legal matters.
Sub-classify -: To sub-classify means to divide a group into smaller groups. In this case, it means dividing SCs and STs into smaller categories for reservations.
BR Ambedkar -: BR Ambedkar was a very important leader in India. He helped write the Indian Constitution and worked for the rights of lower-caste people.
Farmers’ Income -: Farmers’ income is the money that farmers earn from growing crops and raising animals. The government wants to help them earn more money.
Clean Plant Program -: The Clean Plant Program is a plan to help farmers grow healthier plants. This can help them earn more money by selling better crops.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana -: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a government program in India that helps people get affordable houses.
Union Cabinet -: The Union Cabinet is a group of top ministers in the Indian government. They make important decisions together.
Railway Projects -: Railway projects are plans to build or improve train services. This can help people travel more easily and reduce pollution.
Carbon Emissions -: Carbon emissions are gases released into the air from things like cars and factories. Reducing them helps keep the environment clean.
