# Reservation Debate: Skill Matters More Than Quota, Says Gurumurthy

2026-08-06T23:46:11+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

S Gurumurthy, in an exclusive interview on Times Now's India Upfront, has waded into the reservation versus merit debate, arguing that India's focus should shift towards skill development and calling for a rethink on the 'creamy layer'. His comments come as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged those who have benefited from quota to voluntarily give it up, while the Centre told the Supreme Court it will not apply the creamy layer principle to SC/ST reservations. The debate, moderated by Pranesh Roy, saw panellists clash over merit, social justice, historical discrimination, and constitutional intent. They questioned whether political parties are avoiding necessary reforms and whether the system is delivering justice. Gurumurthy's intervention adds weight to calls for reform, but the central government's stance on SC/ST creamy layer complicates any immediate change.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/india-upfront/understanding-gen-z-in-india-insights-from-gurumurthy-video-155328102>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/india-upfront/the-debate-on-reservation-and-merit-in-india-video-155377770>

Tags: creamy layer, merit, reservation, skill development
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