NEWS: The Karnataka Cabinet approved internal reservation (sub-classification) within the existing 15% quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs)

HIGHLIGHTS

New quota distribution:

• 25% → Category A
• 25% → Category B
• 5% → Category C

Replaces earlier proposed 6:6:5 formula

Enables resumption of ~56,000 government job recruitments)

OBJECTIVE

• Ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among different SC sub-groups.
• Address intra-caste inequalities, where some groups benefited more than others historically

IMPLEMENTATION FEATURES

• Introduction of rotational roster system for fair representation among categories
• Merit-based selection applied when only single vacancy exists
• Special provision: share within Category C for nomadic/semi-nomadic communities

CHALLENGES

• Inter-group disagreements among SC communities
• Judicial scrutiny over exceeding reservation limits.
• Balancing political commitments vs constitutional validity

SIGNIFICANCE

• Major step towards social justice and inclusive representation
• Could become a model for other states on sub-classification within SC quota.
• Highlights evolving debate on “quota within quota” in India