'Introducing creamy layer not the way to tackle caste-based discrimination'

Ambedkar says dynamics of politics have changed, but no problem as long as one is with regional party

- Devashri Bhujbal

Caste-based reservation has to be seen in a positive perspective and not as a developmental issue.

He said the backward caste have been subjected to social injustice over centuries, so much that even today they lack mental confidence and will take time to overcome this handicap, Prakash Ambedkar, 71, noted Dalit leader and grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, observed on Tuesday.

Fondly called Balasaheb, the three-time Member of Parliament carries with him the legacy of his grandfather, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar visited The Free Press Journal office on Tuesday for an interaction. Excerpts:

The Chief Justice of India BR Gavai recently reaffirmed his position that the concept of creamy layer should be implemented in the reservation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, as in the case of Other Backward Classes. What is your take?

Caste-based discrimination has been going on for centuries. Introducing the creamy layer is not the way. The issues involved are historically deeply ingrained and the need is to take a historical and holistic approach.