The Karnataka cabinet has approved internal reservation within the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, establishing a one-man commission to develop a quota matrix. This decision responds to ongoing demands from the marginalized SC (Left) community, which seeks sub-classification to ensure that dominant SC castes do not monopolize benefits.
This move aligns with the Supreme Court's ruling on August 1, 2024, which allows states to create sub-classifications within SC reservations based on empirical data. However, the proposed commission, led by a retired High Court judge, may struggle due to a lack of recent population data, as the next census is not expected until 2026.
In 2012, the Justice A.J. Sadashiva Commission suggested a sub-quota that would redistribute the existing 15 percent SC reservation. In 2023, the BJP government not only increased reservations for SCs and STs by two percent each but also introduced a reservation matrix within the SC community.
A subcommittee, previously headed by law minister J.C. Madhuswamy, categorized the SC community into four groups. The proposed allocations are as follows: the SC (Left) group, which includes the Madiga, Adi Dravida, and Bambi, would receive 6 percent reservation; the SC (Right), which comprises Adi Karnataka, Holeya, and Chalavadi, would get 5.5 percent. Among the 'touchables', the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama would be allocated 4.5 percent, while Are Alemari and Alemari (nomads) would receive 1 percent.
The BJP's previous push for a sub-quota resulted in a backlash, leading to a loss of support from dominant SC castes during assembly elections. Traditionally, the Congress party is backed by SC (Right) communities, while SC (Left) communities typically support the BJP. In light of upcoming by-elections in Sandur and Shiggaon, where SC (Left) populations are significant, the Siddaramaiah government has quickly voiced its support for the sub-quota.
The government’s referral of this contentious issue to a new commission has faced criticism from the opposition BJP, which claims the ruling party is employing delay tactics. Law Minister H.K. Patil stated, "The Commission will be given three months to present its report. During this time, no new public recruitment will take place."
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, representing the SC (Left) community, emphasized, "This is a victory for 35 years of struggle. I urge the community to wait three more months to enjoy the benefits of the sub-quota."
IT Minister Priyank Kharge, from the SC (Right) community, said, "None of us oppose internal reservation. The Supreme Court mandates that reservations should be based on empirical data. The commission will assess whether the caste census conducted by the state government will hold up legally, as we currently lack a better and more recent caste census."
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