State to conduct a fresh survey for SC sub-quota

The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to initiate a fresh survey to collect empirical data on scheduled castes (SC) in the state. The move aims to address the long-standing demand for internal reservation, particularly from Dalit Left communities. The decision was taken during a recent cabinet meeting, following recommendations from the H.N. Nagamohan Das commission, which submitted an interim report to chief minister Siddaramaiah on March 27.

Law and Parliamentary affairs minister H.K. Patil, addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Thursday, said, “the H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission has made four recommendations that include a fresh survey, the use of modern technologies to complete the survey within 30 to 40 days, preparation of a questionnaire, and the collection of data on scheduled castes and their sub-castes for classification purposes.” He further confirmed that the cabinet had accepted the recommendations and agreed to extend the commission’s tenure so it could oversee the process and provide further guidance.

The survey seeks to resolve confusion surrounding the nomenclature of sub-castes such as Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida, and Adi Andhra, which were historically coined to counter caste-based discrimination. Dalit activists have pointed out that these names, which originated during the rule of the Mysuru Maharajas, continue to create ambiguity in caste classification across different regions.

Schedule caste communities are categorised as “left-hand” and “right-hand” in Karnataka, with ‘left-hand’ communities being among the most marginalised historically, while ‘right-hand’ communities had relatively more privileges.

Social welfare minister H.C. Mahadevappa noted that the survey work had already commenced and that the chief secretary had convened a meeting of officials to finalise the modalities. “The survey will be conducted by the government machinery, including the services of teachers. Preparatory work could take about 15 days,” he explained.

The government has set a two-month deadline for the commission to complete the process, starting from March 27.

The demand for internal reservation has been a contentious issue for nearly four decades. The Dalit Left faction has argued that Dalit Right communities have disproportionately benefited from the existing 17% SC reservation in education and employment. Various sub-communities, including Lambanis, Bhovis, Koracha, and Koramas, have voiced concerns over inequitable representation.

The matter gained legal momentum after the Supreme Court ruled on August 1, 2024, that states have the authority to implement internal reservations among SCs. This provided Karnataka with the legal foundation to proceed with reforms.

While submitting his interim report, Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das refrained from revealing its contents but expressed confidence in the government’s commitment. “I have 100% hope in this government that they have the political will to implement internal reservation. My intention is to see a permanent solution to this problem. There may be a short delay, and I appeal to the people to bear with it,” he said.

The commission’s report was expected to examine the backwardness within sub-groups of scheduled castes to ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits. It may also incorporate recommendations from the AJ Sadashiva Commission, which proposed a sub-matrix system within the SC quota. The Sadashiva Commission, formed in 2005, submitted its findings in 2012, but its recommendations were rejected by the BJP-led Basavaraj Bommai government.

On March 24, 2023, the Bommai government announced an internal quota among 101 SC communities, allocating 6% to SC (Left), 5.5% to SC (Right), 4.5% to SC (Touchable), and 1% to SC (Others). The overall SC quota was increased from 15% to 17%, and the ST quota from 3% to 7%, based on the H.N. Nagamohan Das commission report. However, the Congress, then in opposition, had criticised this move, claiming it was politically motivated to secure votes from dominant SC factions.

Speaking at a press conference after a meeting on internal reservation, Home Minister G. Parameshwara reaffirmed the Congress government’s dedication to implementing the internal quota. “Our government is committed to implementing internal reservation for Scheduled Castes. We had already promised this in our party’s election manifesto. Retired Justice Nagamohan Das informed us in the meeting that empirical data will provide a clear perspective on the issue,” he stated.

The government has assured that it will proceed according to Supreme Court guidelines. “Most departments have already provided the necessary data. We will proceed in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. Until internal reservation is implemented, no backlog positions, promotions, or new appointments will be made,” Mahadevappa clarified