Muslims single largest caste in Karnataka, as per leaked socio-economic report

BENGALURU: Though, the contents of socio-economic and educational survey report-2015 has not been officially released in Karnataka but key recommendations and details of the report leaked after it was placed in the cabinet meeting on Friday.

Among the key recommendations made by the Karnataka State Backward Class Commission headed by former Lok Sabha member Jayaprakash Hegde wanted an increase in the reservation for backward class from current 32 percent to 51 percent in proportion to the backward class population of about 69. 60 percent.

The population of Muslims is about 75.27 lakh in Karnataka and Muslims form the single largest population. Therefore, the Commission recommended for increase in reservation to 8 percent. The Vokkaligas comprised 61.5o lakh while the sub-castes included population came to 72 lakh. The amount of reservation in the 3A category which includes Lok Sabha member Jayaprakash Hegde may be increased from 4 percent to 7 percent.

The population of Lingayats in category 3 B list is 66 lakh and the population including sub-castes will be 81 lakh. From reservation under category 3B, the Commission recommended a hike in reservation from 5 percent to 8 percent. Reservation should be increased from 4 percent to 6 percent for castes belonging to category-1 according to their profession and social situation.

For category 2A castes, the Commission recommended reclassification and increased reservation from 15 percent to 22 percent.

Out of 5.98 crore people surveyed in 2015 and based on the information provided by the respondents, Backward Class Commission recommended increase in reservation and redistribution based on caste wise population data.

The State Government will be taking up the socio-economic and educational survey report submitted by Backward Class Commission at its special cabinet meeting in Bengaluru on Thursday.