NEWS – The Karnataka Cabinet has accepted the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission’s recommendations on internal reservation among Scheduled Castes, but with modifications.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Decision

• Both SC (Right) (Madiga and others) and SC (Left) (Holeya and others) will now receive 6% reservation each.
• ‘Touchable’ Dalits (Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, Korcha) and most backward/nomadic communities will share 5%.
• Total SC reservation stands at 17%, redistributed internally.

Cabinet’s Rationale

• The government will issue an ordinance since the ongoing legislature session will end before a bill can be tabled.
• A bill will be introduced in the next session after necessary changes.
• Aim: ensure long-standing demands of internal quota are addressed while balancing community claims.

Justice Das Commission Recommendations

• Submitted on August 4.
• Proposed 5-way division of 17% quota:
  1. 1% – Most backward (Group A)
  2. 6% – Madiga and others (Group B)
  3. 5% – Holeya and others (Group C)
  4. 4% – Touchable Dalits (Group D)
  5. 1% – AK, AD, AA (Group E)

Concerns Raised

• Critics argue the decision dilutes benefits for the most backward groups.
• Experts: Dominant Dalit communities continue to prevail, leaving vulnerable groups behind