Internal Reservation For SCs Announced In Karnataka
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah followed the escape formula while allocating internal reservations,” he accused and observed “The Scheduled Castes communities have not received any real benefit.”
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced internal reservation among the Scheduled Castes, and about 54,000 posts would be filled this year under the new reservation framework. The Cabinet approved the decision on Thursday.
Under the revised allocation, Scheduled Castes (Left communities) and Scheduled Castes (Right communities) will receive 5.25 per cent each, while other groups, including Bhovi, Lambanis, Korama, Koracah and nomadic communities, will get 4.5 per cent.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Siddaramaiah said the Congress manifesto committee headed by minister G. Parameshwar during the 2023 Assembly elections had assured implementation of internal reservation. He cited the Supreme Court judgment on internal reservation, which held that internal reservation was constitutionally permissible.
Based on the ruling, a commission headed by Justice Nagmohan Das submitted its report, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet.
Food and civil supplies minister K. H. Muniyappa termed the decision “a historic” step, stating it brought to an end 40 years of struggle. He said “justice” had been rendered. The announcement is expected to guide recruitment and reservation policy implementation in the state.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok criticised the government’s move, questioning, “Why was the 17 per cent reservation provided by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government reduced to 15 per cent?” He said the reduction meant “injustice” to those within the reservation ambit.
“Siddaramaiah followed the escape formula while allocating internal reservations,” he alleged, adding, “The Scheduled Castes communities have not received any real benefit.”
