The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Eknath Shinde, has decided to request the central government to raise the income limit for the 'non-creamy layer' classification. They propose increasing the current income limit from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year. This change would allow more people to qualify for reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. This development comes ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election, which is anticipated to take place by the end of this year.

This appeal to the Union government comes as a response to the growing calls for more inclusive qualifying standards for the non-creamy layer, particularly for individuals who do not meet the requirements for being considered economically advanced.

A draft ordinance to give the Maharashtra State Scheduled Caste Commission constitutional status has also been approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet. The commission has been authorised to create 27 positions in order to improve its operations, and the ordinance will be presented during the next legislative session.

The action was taken ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections by the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition.