Karnataka: Vokkaliga legislators want increase in reservation for community

Belagavi: A memorandum has been submitted to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for increasing the reservation of the Vokkaliga community. "Reservation for the Vokkaliga community in education and job sector is inadequate," said Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar.

"Most of the Vokkaligas are farmers and are contributing immensely to the country. A memorandum has been submitted to the Chief Minister urging to increase the reservation,” Sudhakar told reporters.

“The community is either putting any pressure nor is it asking for unreasonable reservation, but is only requesting to hike reservation in proportion to the population. The Chief Minister understands the needs of all communities. He said that he will ensure social justice to all deprived communities,” the health minister added.

Though the proposal to increase reservations for SC and ST communities has been under consideration for many years it is Basavaraj Bommai who has taken steps to realize it, he said.

“The Supreme Court hearing on the proposal to increase in reservation is underway. We are confident that the court will give a positive verdict,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission has been asked to submit its report soon regarding the hike in quota for the Vokkaliga community.

He told reporters in Suvarna Soudha that the Vokkaliga legislators have met him and petitioned to hike reservation for their community in the wake of an increase in the population.

The MLAs have also sought inclusion of the sub-sects of the community in OBC list. 

“The recommendation should from the Commission. Hence the same was forwarded on November 29 and the Commission has informed us that it will go through and will give a report,” he added.