Karnataka's Bold Step on Internal Reservation for SC

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a one-man commission to collect empirical data for internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SC). The decision, influenced by a Supreme Court verdict, aims to address concerns over unequal benefit distribution among SC sub-castes. The report is expected in three months.

In a significant move towards caste equity, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday the formation of a one-man commission to collect empirical data aimed at implementing internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SC). This decision follows a Supreme Court verdict affirming states' constitutional power to make such sub-classifications.

The commission, headed by a retired High Court judge, will submit its findings within three months, as confirmed by Siddaramaiah. The initiative addresses long-standing allegations that influential sub-castes monopolize reservation benefits, leaving other communities marginalized. The backdrop to this development includes a previous BJP government's recommendation for a differentiated internal quota among SC sub-groups.

Critics, including State BJP president B Y Vijayendra, argue that the Congress government is politically motivated, using the issue for leverage ahead of assembly bypolls. However, the move underscores Congress's stated commitment to social justice, seeking to recalibrate reservation distribution for socio-economically disadvantaged sub-castes.

(With inputs from agencies.)