Karnataka Cabinet Set to Approve Draft Bill on Internal SC Quotas
Cabinet meets today to save internal reservation plan.
The Karnataka cabinet convenes Thursday to approve a draft bill mandating internal quotas within the 17 percent Scheduled Castes reservation, responding to a High Court interim stay on civil service appointments under the current sub-classification. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led a high-level meeting Wednesday with Law Minister HK Patil, Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, and senior officials to finalize the legislation, aiming for swift tabling in the upcoming assembly session to override judicial constraints.
Based on the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission report, the government’s August 25 order divided the quota into 6 percent for SC Left (A group), 6 percent for SC Right (B group), and 5 percent for nomadic communities including Bhovi, Lambani, Koracha, and Korama. Law Minister Patil confirmed exhaustive drafting by Law and Social Welfare departments, stressing that statutory backing is essential for equitable representation, roster integrity, and compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on sub-quotas.
Nomadic SC groups challenged the allocation in the High Court, demanding a dedicated 1 percent share; the matter is listed for November 13. To sustain recruitment momentum, the government extended age eligibility by one term and directed the Karnataka Examination Authority to proceed with notifications. Discussions also focused on validating original caste certificates and preventing roster manipulation across districts.
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Political urgency escalated as SC Left activists threatened to campaign in Bihar’s assembly polls to embarrass the Congress. Siddaramaiah scheduled an emergency Thursday consultation to preempt disruption, followed by a Friday meeting with nomadic leaders who recently concluded a ten-day dharna outside the AICC office in Delhi. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh ensured administrative alignment for immediate implementation post-approval.
The bill’s passage is critical to balancing intra-community justice while maintaining public service efficiency. With legal and political pressures converging, the legislation seeks to secure Karnataka’s affirmative action framework against future challenges, reinforcing constitutional commitments to marginalized SC sub-groups.
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