Policy – Karnataka Announces Revised Internal Reservation Allocation for SC Communities
Policy – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has unveiled a revised framework for internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes category, outlining a new distribution aimed at addressing long-standing demands from various communities. The announcement seeks to bring clarity to a complex issue that has seen years of political debate, legal scrutiny, and community mobilization.
Background of Long-Standing Demand
The Chief Minister noted that the demand for internal reservation has been ongoing for several years, with multiple communities advocating for a more balanced distribution of benefits. He recalled a major convention held in Chitradurga, attended by senior leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, where a formal resolution supporting internal reservation was adopted.
According to Siddaramaiah, the convention brought together representatives from several communities, including Left-hand and Right-hand groups, as well as Korama and Koracha communities. The gathering reflected a broad consensus on the need for a structured approach to reservation distribution within Scheduled Castes.
New Allocation Structure Explained
Under the newly announced plan, 5.25 percent reservation has been allocated each to the Left-hand and Right-hand communities. Additionally, 4.5 percent has been earmarked collectively for Bovi, Lambani, Korama, Koracha, and Alemari groups. The revised structure is intended to ensure a more equitable share among sub-groups that have historically raised concerns about unequal access to reservation benefits.
The framework is based on recommendations from a commission led by Justice Nagamohan Das, which was formed after a Supreme Court judgment in 2024 permitted internal reservation within Scheduled Castes. The commission’s findings were later reviewed and approved by the state Cabinet before receiving assent from the Governor.
Legal Challenges and Reservation Cap
Despite the government’s efforts, the issue has faced legal hurdles. Siddaramaiah pointed out that disputes over roster points prompted nomadic communities to approach the High Court. The court subsequently reiterated the constitutional principle that total reservation should not exceed 50 percent.
The state government had earlier attempted to increase the combined reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to 24 percent, with 17 percent for SCs and 7 percent for STs. However, this pushed the total reservation beyond the permissible limit, reaching 56 percent, which led to judicial intervention.
The Chief Minister also referenced the precedent set in the Indra Sawhney case, which established the 50 percent cap. Efforts to restructure reservation categories were challenged in court, resulting in a stay order and further delays in implementation.
Cabinet Deliberations and Policy Finalization
Siddaramaiah revealed that a special Cabinet meeting had been planned to address the issue in detail, but it had to be postponed due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct. The matter was later revisited, leading to the current decision.
Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized that the government’s approach has been guided by the principles of social justice and economic equality. He stated that the revised framework aims to ensure that no community is excluded or disadvantaged in the process.
Government Calls It a Historic Step
Home Minister G Parameshwara described the Cabinet’s decision as a significant milestone. He highlighted that the policy has been implemented without excluding any group, marking what he termed a historic move in Karnataka’s social justice framework.
The government believes that the new allocation will address disparities within Scheduled Castes while staying within constitutional limits. However, given the history of legal challenges surrounding reservation policies, the implementation and its impact are likely to be closely monitored in the coming months.