Karnataka Cabinet Greenlights Revised Internal Quota for SC Communities

By: Political Bureau | Bangalore Mail

BENGALURU: In a move described by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a “historic decision,” the Karnataka Cabinet on Friday officially cleared the contentious internal reservation framework for Scheduled Castes (SC). The state government has adopted a revised formula of 5.25%:5.25%:4.5%, aiming to resolve a four-decade-long struggle for social equity among various SC communities.

The New Internal Quota Structure

The Cabinet’s decision follows a unanimous agreement based on recommendations from a technical committee led by the Chief Secretary. To align with the judicial mandate of a 50% reservation ceiling, the state has proportionally adjusted the allocation within the 15% SC quota:

• SC Left (Group A): 5.25%

• SC Right (Group B): 5.25%

• Group C (Bhovi, Lambani, Koracha, Korama, and 59 Alemari castes): 4.5%

Crucially, the government has integrated a 20% sub-quota for the Alemari castes within the Group C category, ensuring targeted representation for marginalized nomadic groups.

Clearing the Path for Recruitment

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state will immediately initiate the recruitment process to fill 56,432 vacant posts across government departments.

“Our government is committed to the principle of ‘sarvarigu samapaalu’ (equal share to all),” the Chief Minister stated. “This decision ensures that justice reaches every corner of our 101 SC communities.”

Addressing concerns regarding potential legal hurdles, the CM clarified that the current 15% allocation is a strategic compliance measure to fit within the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation cap. “Should the High Court rule in favour of increasing the overall reservation limit, the additional 6% will be treated as backlog and incorporated subsequently,” he added.

A Long-Standing Commitment Fulfilled

The road to this implementation has been complex. Previous attempts faced legal challenges, including a High Court stay due to concerns over roster points and the breaching of the 50% cap. Following the Supreme Court’s August 2024 ruling that permitted states to implement internal reservations, the government established a one-man panel under retired High Court Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das to refine the categorization.

Social Welfare Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa hailed the move, emphasizing that the decision reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to social justice. Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara further highlighted that the “Karnataka Model” of internal reservation is unique, balancing administrative feasibility with political necessity, and could serve as a template for other states.

With the cabinet’s approval, the administration is set to fix roster points for the new 15% framework immediately, signaling a new chapter in Karnataka’s social welfare policy.