The First Backward Classes Commission, also known as the Havanur Commission, was a pivotal initiative by Devaraj Urs, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at addressing the socio-economic disparities faced by backward classes in the state. Chaired by L.G. Havanur, a Bangalore advocate from the Beda community, the Commission undertook a comprehensive study to identify and recommend measures to support these communities.

Objective and Methodology:

• The Commission aimed to identify backward castes and communities using various criteria such as economic status, residential conditions, and occupation.
• Despite the multiple criteria, the SSLC examination performance was a significant factor in the final assessment.

Findings and Classifications:

• The report categorized backward classes into three groups based on educational attainment relative to the state average:
  1. Backward Communities: Student average per thousand is below the state average but above 50%.
  2. Backward Castes: Student average per thousand is below 50% of the state average.
  3. Backward Tribes: Student average below 50%, excluding some nomadic and denotified tribes.

Reservation Recommendations:

• Proposed a 32% reservation for backward classes, distributed as follows:
  • 6% for backward tribes
  • 10% for backward castes
  • 16% for backward communities

Exclusions and Special Considerations:

• Certain communities like Bunts, Kodagaru, Kshatriya, Maratha, Christians, and Jains were deemed advanced and not eligible for reservations.
• The report suggested that caste-related backwardness was peculiar to Hindus, hence Muslims and Christians were initially excluded from the backward classes category.

Implementation and Government Response:

• The government issued an order that included broader categories than recommended:
  • Included Dalit Christians and the entire Muslim population in the backward communities list.
  • Imposed an income ceiling of Rs 8,000 for eligibility under reservation benefits.
  • Created a special category for those with an income not exceeding Rs 4,800 and engaged in specific manual labor occupations.

Additional Recommendations:

• Establishment of an Advisory Board for Backward Classes.
• Provision of scholarships and hostel facilities.
• Creation of a separate Directorate for Backward Classes.
• Formation of a Finance Corporation to support the economic development of backward classes.

Legacy and Impact:

• The Havanur Report was highly praised, including by the Supreme Court of India, for its scientific approach.
• It significantly influenced the political landscape by empowering politicians from backward classes.
• Devaraj Urs hailed the report as a critical document for the upliftment of backward classes, calling it the “Bible of Backward Classes.”

In summary, the Havanur Commission’s report laid a foundational framework for the reservation policies in Karnataka, focusing on educational and economic criteria to identify and support backward communities. Its comprehensive and inclusive approach set a precedent for future policies aimed at social justice and equality.

QUESTION: Do you consider that LG Havanur Committee report is a Bible for backward class in Karnataka? Discuss.