**Karnataka Cabinet Approves Internal Reservation for Scheduled Castes**
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a new internal reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs), dividing the existing 17% quota into three distinct categories based on the recommendations of the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission. This decision was made during a special Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where the commission’s extensive 1,766-page report was reviewed.
Under the newly approved formula, both the SC (Right) and SC (Left) groups will receive 6% of the quota each, while ‘touchable’ Dalit communities—including Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, and Korcha, along with various backward and nomadic communities—will be allocated 5%. This reclassification encompasses a total of 101 castes within the SC category.
The commission’s report, which was submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 4, initially proposed a five-way split of the quota. However, the Cabinet opted for a simplified three-category structure. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil described the meeting as “fruitful,” noting that ministers representing all SC communities expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister is expected to address the House regarding this decision.
Backward Class Development Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi hailed the move as “historical,” indicating that the restructuring aimed to create a more balanced representation among the groups. Despite this, sources suggest that some backward and nomadic communities remain dissatisfied with the reclassification process. The full details of the commission’s report have yet to be made public.
This development follows a Supreme Court ruling in August 2022, which permitted states to implement sub-classifications within SCs to ensure a fair distribution of reservation benefits. In response to the Cabinet’s decision, BJP state president BY Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for its delayed action on this issue, stating that the Siddaramaiah administration has been discussing the matter for 2.5 years without resolution. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no SC community faces injustice and urged the government to prevent any protests against discrimination.
In summary, the Karnataka Cabinet’s approval of internal reservation for SCs marks a significant step towards addressing the needs of various communities within the Scheduled Castes, although some groups express concerns over the reclassification.
**FAQ**
**What is the new internal reservation system for Scheduled Castes in Karnataka?**
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a new internal reservation system that divides the 17% quota for Scheduled Castes into three categories, allocating 6% each to SC (Right) and SC (Left) groups, and 5% to certain ‘touchable’ Dalit communities and other backward and nomadic groups.