The Rs 4-5 lakh ceiling doesn’t come as a surprise as 11 out of 20 states whose views were solicited at a meeting on June 11 in the capital, had suggested the figure to be between Rs 4 and Rs 6 lakh. Five states did not quote any figure, saying they are still considering the matter. Madhya Pradesh had wanted the ceiling to be Rs 10 lakh. The chairman of Karnataka’s backward commission had wanted it to be around Rs 25 lakh.

Many states also suggested that the economic criterion should be revised every year, taking into account the prevailing inflation rate.

The commission has reportedly incorporated recommendations of various states in its report.

The central government had expedited its efforts to revise the economic eligibility for the ‘economically forwards’ among OBCs after the Supreme Court ordered it to keep the “creamy layer” out of the quota ambit. The NCBC was thereafter asked to consult all states and recommend a revised cut-off mark to decide the eligibility for OBC quota and submit its report by June 30.