Leaked excerpts from Karnataka’s caste census report indicate a recommendation to introduce the creamy layer policy for Category 1 castes listed under the backward classes reservation system. This proposal, aimed at promoting equity within the category, aligns Category 1 with others like 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, which are already governed by creamy layer norms.
The K Jayaprakash Hegde Commission, which finalized the report based on data gathered during Justice H. Kantharaj’s tenure, noted that some communities under Category 1 have advanced socio-economically, educationally, and politically. The commission emphasized that children of economically disadvantaged families within this category struggle to compete with those from wealthier backgrounds, thus risking unequal opportunity access within the same group.
The report warns of growing internal disparity and recommends applying creamy layer restrictions in employment and welfare schemes to ensure fair representation for the most underprivileged. “To achieve the constitutional goal of equitable opportunity, the creamy layer policy must be extended to Category 1 as well,” the document reportedly states.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that the state Cabinet will deliberate the report on April 17. He urged political leaders to avoid premature commentary and affirmed that about 80% of the collected data is accurate. The census covered 1.37 crore households, aiming to inform inclusive policy-making for education, employment, and access to essential services.
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