The Karnataka government has officially issued an order implementing internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in public employment and educational institutions. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to address disparities within the SC community by categorizing them into four groups: Left, Right, Serfdom, and Others. This move follows the recommendations of the Justice A J Sadashiva Commission, which studied the socio-economic conditions of various SC sub-castes.
Key Features of the Order
The internal reservation will apply to 101 SC sub-castes, dividing them into four categories. The allocation of benefits will be as follows: Category A (Left) gets 1%, Category B (Right) gets 1%, Category C (Serfdom) gets 2%, and Category D (Others) gets 6% of the total 15% SC reservation. The order ensures that no sub-caste is excluded from accessing opportunities.
Implementation Details
The government has directed all departments to implement the reservation from the current academic year and recruitment cycle. The order also includes provisions for carry-forward of vacancies if candidates from a particular category are not available.
Reactions and Criticisms
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some SC sub-castes welcome it as a step towards social justice, others argue that it perpetuates caste divisions. Opposition parties have criticized the timing, alleging it is a political move ahead of elections.
The government maintains that the internal reservation is constitutionally valid and will ensure equitable distribution of resources. Further details on implementation guidelines are expected soon.
