SC/ST Confederation Slams Inclusion of New Castes in Kantharaj Survey
Mangaluru: The Confederation of SCs and STs Organisation has voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of additional castes under the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories, as mentioned in the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (popularly known as the caste census) conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.
Speaking at a press meet, confederation president Lolaksha alleged that the commission, headed by H Kantharaj, had conspired to dilute the constitutionally guaranteed rights of existing SC/ST communities. Citing media reports, he said the survey identified 180 SCs and 105 STs, far exceeding the officially recognised 101 SC and 49 ST castes in Karnataka.
He invoked Article 341(1) of the Constitution to clarify that only the President of India, in consultation with a state’s Governor, has the authority to notify a caste as SC. Further referencing Article 341(2), he added that only Parliament, through legislation, can amend this list—stating even Parliament can’t act without a proper law. “The Supreme Court has also ruled that inclusion of any caste not on the official list is unconstitutional,” he said.
Lolaksha slammed the commission’s alleged claim that some upper-caste individuals had secured SC certificates and questioned the inaction of departments like prosecution, home, and social welfare.
Terming the report and the Siddaramaiah government’s support for it as anti-Dalit, he warned that criminal charges may be pursued against the commission’s chairman and secretary.
Confederation General Secretary Kanthappa announced a consultative meeting on Sunday, 10 AM at Hotel Srinivas, Mangaluru, focusing on internal reservations and caste dynamics within SC communities. The event will feature intellectuals, activists, and policy experts.
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