Chennai, Apr 12 (UNI) Union Minister of State for HRD D Purandeswari today said economic criteria should be applied to include the Creamy Layer in the 27 per cent quota for OBCs in the Centrally-run higher educational Institutions.

While talking to newspersons on the sidelines of a 'Placement Award' function at the SRM University in suburban Kattankulathur here, she said, ''I personally feel that, we should have economic criteria for including the Creamy layer''.

''Just because somebody is an officer, he or her kids should not be denied education if he is not rich enough to fund their higher education'', she added.

''There should be some economic conditions for it'', she said when asked whether she favoured inclusion of the Creamy layer under the purview of the 27 per cent quota for OBCs, which was upheld by the Supreme court.

She said the Apex court verdict upholding reservation reaffirms the Centre's commitment to inclusive education.

''It (the Apex court judgment) ensured that no body in the society, including those in the marginalised section, would be denied quality education'', Ms Purandeswari said.

''We welcome reservation because the government's education policy is for inclusive growth. The Supreme court's order has reconfirmed and reassured the government's commitment to inclusive growth'', she added.

About the Supreme Court's verdict, she said there were different opinions on it. ''We want to take a discussion on it. Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh is taking stock of the situation and the Union Cabinet will discuss it,'' she added.

''First, we must read and understand the judgement fully. We are hearing a lot of ifs and buts through the media. After studying it we will decide what needs to be done,'' she said.

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