Karnataka Cabinet Approves Internal Reservation, Divides 17% SC Quota into Three Categories

The Karnataka Cabinet on Tuesday approved an internal reservation system within the Scheduled Castes (SC) category, dividing the existing 17% quota into three groups based on the recommendations of the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission.

Under the new formula, the SC (Right) and SC (Left) groups will each receive 6% reservation, while ‘touchable’ Dalit communities—including Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, Korcha, along with many backward and nomadic communities—will be allotted 5%. This classification covers a total of 101 castes within the SC category.

The decision was made after a special Cabinet meeting to discuss the commission’s extensive 1,766-page report submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 4. While the commission had initially proposed splitting the quota into five categories, the Cabinet opted for three for better balance.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil described the meeting as “fruitful,” adding that ministers representing all SC communities expressed satisfaction. Backward Class Development Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi called the move “historic,” noting that the groups were restructured by merging certain categories to maintain fairness.

However, some backward and nomadic communities reportedly remain unhappy with the reclassification. The commission’s full report has yet to be made public.

This development follows a Supreme Court ruling in August 2022, which permitted states to create sub-categories within SCs to ensure more equitable distribution of reservation benefits. Karnataka established the commission in November last year to collect data and formulate this internal quota framework.

Reacting to the announcement, BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of delay, saying the issue had been under discussion for two and a half years without resolution. He highlighted that the BJP had raised SC reservations from 15% to 17% and ST reservations from 3% to 7%, achievements continued by the current government.

Vijayendra emphasized the need to avoid injustice to any SC community and urged the government to prevent any group from protesting due to discrimination.