The government on Thursday raised the creamy layer annual income limit from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) category, a move that is being seen as a political decision to sway a large section of the society ahead of the next year's general elections.

The raising of the limit means that people under the OBC category and a monthly income of up to Rs 50,000 will be able to take advantage of various reservation benefits provided by the central government in education and services.

A note circulated by the Cabinet stated that the revision was indispensable in view of the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The note stated, "It would enable more persons to take advantage of reservation benefits extended to OBCs in government services and admission to central educational institutions."

The limit of Rs 4.5 lakh for OBCs had been decided in the year 2008, according to which people under the OBS category and with an annual income of above Rs 4.5 lakh can not be be able to enjoy the benefits of reservation.

The government also claimed that the revision would bring about greater equity in the society.

The necessary orders to this effect would soon be issued by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Department of Personnel & Training.