Bengaluru, April 25, 2026
In a significant policy move aimed at recalibrating caste-based equity within the Scheduled Castes (SC) quota, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a revised framework for internal reservation distribution among sub-castes.
Key Announcement
Under the new formula, the state government has proposed:
- 5.25% reservation each for the Left and Right SC communities
- 4.5% reservation for smaller and historically underrepresented groups, including Bovi, Lambani, Korama, Koracha, and Alemari
This restructuring comes within the existing 15% reservation quota for Scheduled Castes in Karnataka and does not increase the overall quota but redistributes it internally.
Background and Rationale
The demand for internal reservation has been a longstanding issue in Karnataka, with several marginalized SC sub-groups alleging unequal access to benefits dominated by relatively advanced communities within the category. The move follows years of deliberation, committee reports, and political debate over equitable representation.
The state had earlier constituted commissions to study disparities in education, employment, and social mobility among SC sub-castes. Findings indicated that certain communities, particularly nomadic and semi-nomadic groups like the Lambanis and Korachas, lagged significantly behind others in accessing government schemes.
Government’s Stand
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the decision was guided by principles of social justice and inclusive development. He emphasized that the revised distribution aims to ensure “fair and proportionate opportunities” for all sub-castes within the SC category.
Officials stated that the classification into Left and Right groups is based on historical categorizations already recognized in Karnataka’s socio-political discourse, and the additional 4.5% allocation is meant to uplift communities that have remained on the margins.
Political and Social Reactions
The announcement has triggered mixed reactions across the political spectrum:
- Supporters have welcomed the move as a long-overdue correction that addresses deep-rooted inequalities within the SC category.
- Critics, however, argue that the classification could deepen caste divisions and may face legal scrutiny, especially concerning constitutional provisions on reservation.
Some community leaders have also demanded clarity on implementation timelines and the mechanism for identifying beneficiaries.
Legal and Administrative Path Ahead
The proposal is expected to require legislative backing and could potentially be subject to judicial review. Legal experts point out that internal reservation policies have faced challenges in courts in the past, particularly regarding empirical justification and compliance with constitutional safeguards.
The state government is likely to issue a detailed government order (GO) outlining eligibility criteria, implementation procedures, and safeguards to prevent misuse.
Wider Implications
If implemented successfully, Karnataka’s model could influence similar demands in other states where intra-category disparities persist. The move also comes at a politically sensitive time, with social justice policies expected to play a central role in upcoming electoral narratives.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Karnataka’s reservation policy, reflecting an evolving approach to affirmative action—one that seeks not just inclusion, but equitable distribution within historically disadvantaged communities.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
