Karnataka conducted a recent caste survey revealing a significant shift in reservation patterns. The survey indicates over 18% SC and nearly 13% Muslim representation, while Vokkaligas and Lingayats collectively fall below 25%. This implies a potential rise in caste-based quotas to 75%, with backward classes making up about 70% of the population.
The survey suggests doubling reservations for Muslims to 8% and for OBCs to 51%, sparking a heated political debate in Karnataka due to its caste system. The report will be presented to cabinet ministers in a special meeting on April 17.
The survey suggests new categories: Category 1A includes Golla, Uppara, Mogaveera, and Koli; Kurubas move from Category 2A to the proposed 1B. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah supports the report, estimating the caste census as 95% accurate. The opposition BJP criticizes the survey as “unscientific” and accuses the Congress government of politicizing caste.
The survey report proposes 8% and 7% reservations for Lingayats and Vokkaligas, respectively. SCs keep 17% and STs retain 7% reservations. The report recommends a total 51% reservation for backward groups, risking breaching the 50% Supreme Court cap on caste-based quotas.
Congress MLC B K Hariprasad defended the caste survey report, citing empirical support for its findings, but Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna disapproved, expressing disappointment in CM Siddaramaiah. Lingayat groups rejected the report and are calling for a new caste survey in Karnataka. State minister MB Patil seconded this, suggesting potential undercounting of his community in the survey.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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