Revisiting Reservation and Socio -Economic Disparities in Tamil Nadu With Reference to the Myth of the Sc Creamy Layer in India

Abstract

Reservation in Tamil Nadu has historically been a vital tool for addressing caste-based inequalities and promoting social justice. The debate over the “SC creamy layer” raises concerns about unequal benefits within Scheduled Castes and internal stratification. Despite Tamil Nadu’s high reservation quota of over 69%, disparities, social exclusion, and caste-based atrocities continue, showing that economic advancement alone cannot eliminate deep-rooted caste hierarchies. The state’s refusal to adopt the creamy layer principle reflects its commitment to community-wide redress rather than selective exclusions. Empirical evidence highlights persistent inequalities within SC sub-castes like Arunthathiyars, emphasizing the need for targeted, data-driven policies that support the most marginalized while maintaining social cohesion.
The study challenges the assumption that income alone can overcome caste discrimination, pointing to ongoing social, spatial, and institutional barriers. It calls for finer sub-caste classification, focused socio-economic interventions, and robust anti-discrimination measures to ensure equitable development. Overall, effective affirmative action in Tamil Nadu must go beyond income-based criteria to achieve genuine social justice and meaningful mobility. This assessment critically examines reservation policies, socio-economic gaps, and the relevance of the creamy layer debate for SCs, arguing for nuanced, evidence-based strategies that promote inclusion. Using a qualitative and comparative approach with secondary data and historical analysis, the study is exploratory and policy-oriented, offering insights for inclusive growth. It also underscores that caste stigma persists despite economic progress; highlighting the importance of strengthening sub-quotas and safeguarding caste-based redress to address entrenched inequalities in Tamil Nadu and beyond.