From correspondents in Delhi, India, 07:00 PM IST

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has recommended that for identifying the 'creamy layer' or the better-off among the other backward classes (OBC), the annual income level be raised to Rs.600,000 from the existing Rs.250,000.

The members of the commission are expected to meet Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar Thursday to submit their report.

while according its sanction to the law providing for 27 percent reservation to OBC students in higher education, the Supreme Court in April asked the government to keep what it called the 'creamy layer' out of its ambit.

'The commission has finalised its view on the income ceiling after ascertaining the views of the state commissions on the issue,' said an official.

On June 11, members of the state commissions for backward classes, who met here, also favoured an increase in the income limit for redefining the 'creamy layer'.

The process of re-defining the 'creamy layer' has generated a lot of heat as various political parties and other quarters have demanded revision of inome limit.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)