The controversial quota bill to provide 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in Central educational institutions, which is to be made operational from the academic year 2007, made no mention of the creamy layer when it was presented in the Parliament on Friday.
The bill, tabled by HRD Minister Arjun Singh before the Lok Sabha, defines OBCs as the class or classes of citizens who are socially and educationally backward and are so determined by the Central government.
This implies that the creamy layer, which had been a bone of contention, has been included for enjoying the benefits of reservation.
While the southern allies DMK and PMK wanted implementation in full, the CPI(M) was against inclusion on creamy layer.
The bill goes for 27 per cent reservation of seats for OBCs in admission in Central educational institutions besides 15 per cent for SCs and 7.5 per cent for STs.