Karnataka Cabinet approves internal reservation, splits 17% SC quota into three

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The Karnataka Cabinet on Tuesday approved internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SCs), splitting the 17 per cent quota into three categories based on recommendations of the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission.

According to the formula cleared by the Cabinet, the SC (Right) and SC (Left) groups will get 6 per cent each, while ‘touchable’ Dalit communities such as Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, Korcha, along with most backward and nomadic communities, will get 5 per cent. This effectively covers 101 castes within the SC category.

The decision came after a special Cabinet meeting where the commission’s 1,766-page report was discussed. The report, submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 4, had originally suggested a five-way split, but the Cabinet reduced it to three categories.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said the meeting was “fruitful” and that ministers from all SC communities were satisfied.

“The chief minister will make a statement on the floor of the House tomorrow,” he said. Backward Class Development Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi termed the move “historical,” adding that the groups were restructured to merge certain categories for balance.

However, sources indicated that most backward and nomadic communities are not fully happy with the reclassification. The commission’s report has not been made public.

The development follows the Supreme Court’s August 2022 ruling that allowed states to make sub-classifications within SCs to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Karnataka had set up the commission in November last year to gather empirical data and frame an internal quota system.

Reacting to the move, BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of dragging its feet.

“The Siddaramaiah government has been discussing this issue for 2.5 years but has failed to find a solution. During the BJP regime, SC reservation was raised from 15 per cent to 17 per cent and ST quota from 3 per cent to 7 per cent. What we implemented is now being continued by Siddaramaiah,” he said.

Vijayendra stressed that “no injustice should be done to any SC community” and urged the government to ensure no group is forced to protest against discrimination.

- Ends

Published On:

Aug 20, 2025

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