BENGALURU: The state government is contemplating to provide internal reservation for those belonging to various sub-sects among scheduled castes based on a report submitted by Justice A.J. Sadashiva, and the report of the caste census, according to social welfare minister H Anjaneya
The move comes amid reports of stiff resistance from SC leaders within the ruling Congress to implementation of the report of Justice Sadashiva. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly decided to consult these leaders as well as others who are demanding implementation of the report.
Mr Anjaneya told the media here on Monday the government is firm about extending reservation based on population. There should be equitable distribution of reservation facilities among sub-sects of scheduled castes. Mr Siddaramaiah has assured that he would take a decision after taking into consideration reports of Justice Sadashiva and the caste census report, the minister added.
Mr. Anjaneya categorically stated that the caste census report would be made public in the last week of December or first week of January 2017 without any further delay. “Regarding internal reservations, Madiga (Left) community has not been getting benefits of the quota system. Children are not even able to secure seats in TCH courses. Out of 101 sub-sects, many are not getting reservation benefits from the state government. Thus internal reservation should be provided based on the population”, Mr. Anjaneya said adding “As a minister, I cannot take a stand for one community, but I should say that reservation facilities should be provided based on population. At present, the benefits of reservation are not equally distributed.”
And in order to provide free agricultural land to the landless among scheduled castes, the state government has decided to purchase 30,000 acres from private land owners through Dr. Ambedkar Development Corporation. While purchasing land, government is ready to pay three times higher than the guidance value to these owners. This scheme would help a large section of the scheduled castes involved in farming activities with each individual set to receive two acres. Therefore, more than more than 75 per cent of agricultural labourers and 25 per cent of those with small holdings would be benefited, the minister added.
