The Karnataka Cabinet on Tuesday cleared the internal reservation formula for Scheduled Castes (SCs), dividing the existing 17% quota into three categories. The move follows recommendations of the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission.
Under the new structure, SC (Right) and SC (Left) groups will each receive 6%, while ‘touchable’ Dalit communities—such as Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, Korcha, along with most backward and nomadic groups—will get 5%. This covers 101 castes within the SC category.
The decision came after a special Cabinet meeting that reviewed the commission’s 1,766-page report, submitted to CM Siddaramaiah on August 4. While the report initially recommended a five-way split, the Cabinet decided to simplify it into three groups.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said all ministers representing SC communities expressed satisfaction, adding that the CM will make a formal statement in the Assembly. Backward Class Development Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi called the step “historic,” noting that merging certain categories helped maintain balance.
However, sources revealed that some backward and nomadic communities remain dissatisfied with the reclassification. The commission’s detailed report has not yet been released publicly.
The move comes in line with the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, which permitted states to introduce sub-classifications within SCs for fairer distribution of reservation benefits.
Reacting sharply, BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress of delaying action. He reminded that the BJP had raised SC quota from 15% to 17% and ST quota from 3% to 7%, urging the government to ensure no community feels sidelined or forced to protest.