Synopsis
The caste census report in Karnataka reveals that the Muslim population is estimated at 18.08%, proposing an increase in reservation from 4% to 8%. The report also suggests raising overall reservations to over 75% and increasing OBC reservations significantly, igniting potential political controversy.Key Takeaways
- Muslim population in Karnataka is estimated at 18.08%.
- Recommendation for 8% reservation for Muslims.
- Overall reservation potentially exceeding 75%.
- OBC reservation to be increased from 31% to 51%.
- Political implications expected from the report’s findings.
Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) The contentious caste census report delivered by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led administration in Karnataka has estimated the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 percent and suggests an 8 percent reservation for this community, sources disclosed on Sunday.
Presently, Muslims are afforded a 4 percent reservation in the state.
The caste census report was presented to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and the government is holding a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to deliberate on the report’s suggestions. However, no formal announcement has been made regarding the report’s specifics. Still, some information disclosed in the cabinet meeting has emerged publicly.
Moreover, sources have indicated that the caste census report advocates for raising the overall reservation to over 75 percent in Karnataka. The survey estimates the population of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at 4.18 crore, Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 1.09 crore, and Scheduled Tribes (STs) at 42.81 lakh.
According to insiders, the report suggests that OBC groups make up approximately 70 percent of the state’s demographic.
A significant recommendation from the report is to increase the reservation quota for OBCs from the current 31 percent to 51 percent.
As per sources, the report categorizes the Muslim population under Category 2B at 18.08 percent, with a total population of 75.25 lakh. It recommends enhancing their reservation from 4 percent to 8 percent, surpassing the Vokkaliga community, which is presently regarded as the second-largest population group in the state with a count of 61.68 lakh, constituting 10.31 percent of the overall population. The report proposes elevating their reservation to 7 percent.
The census report also notes the Lingayat community population at 66.35 lakh, accounting for 11.09 percent, which is lower than the Muslim demographic. The report calls for increasing their reservation to 8 percent. Currently, the Lingayat community is recognized as the largest in the state.
The Scheduled Castes are reported to have the highest population in the state, estimated at 1.09 crore, with a recommendation to maintain their reservation at 24.1 percent. The Scheduled Tribes population of 42.81 lakh is recommended to have a reservation of 9.95 percent.
The newly established Category 1A group—comprising communities such as Golla, Uppara, Mogaveera, and Koli—has a population of 73.92 lakh, with a recommended reservation of 12 percent.
Category 2A, which includes communities like Madivala and Ediga, has a population of 77.78 lakh, with a recommended reservation of 10 percent.
The outcomes of the report are anticipated to ignite substantial debate and controversy within the state, potentially influencing the political landscape significantly.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan previously defended the Muslim quota in tenders, stating that Muslims represent between 16 to 18 percent of the state's population.
In the meantime, Congress leaders have indicated their readiness to raise the reservation limit in the state. Labour Minister Santhosh Lad noted that the Central government has already surpassed the 50 percent cap by implementing a 10 percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad emphasized that the caste census provides the government with empirical data to support increasing the reservation limit beyond 50 percent in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked that the Karnataka government will not rush into decisions concerning the caste census report.
When questioned about discussions on the caste census report during the cabinet meeting, Shivakumar stated: "The Law Minister opened the report, but no MLA or minister has seen it. We will have a comprehensive discussion on this matter."
The Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities have asserted that the caste census report is flawed.
Sources revealed that the report was submitted in over 46 volumes, with data provided in two CDs covering various aspects of the caste survey.
In 2014, Siddaramaiah (during his initial term as Chief Minister) commissioned the Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Census. A committee led by the then Chair of the Backward Classes Commission, H. Kantharaju, conducted the survey at a cost of approximately Rs 169 crore. The report was finalized by 2016; however, subsequent governments shelved it.
The coalition government of Congress and JD(S) under H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP government led by B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai also postponed the report’s release.
In 2020, the Karnataka government, under BJP leadership, appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the Commission chief, but the report was not publicized.
Hegde submitted the final report to the Siddaramaiah government on February 29, 2024. Opposition parties, including BJP and JD(S), have voiced their opposition to implementing the report.
Communities such as the Lingayats and Vokkaligas have claimed that the report unjustly misrepresents them in terms of population representation.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated on Friday that the caste census report prepared by the Siddaramaiah administration lacks scientific validity. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru about the matter, Ashoka remarked: "The individuals conducting the caste census did not visit every household. This report was generated under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s guidance. Given its political motives, it is likely to be rejected. I also agree that a proper caste census should be conducted. However, this report appears designed to sow discord among castes for someone’s advantage."
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on February 18 that the caste census was conducted scientifically, assuring that his government would implement its findings without hesitation. "Our government endorses the caste census. We have accepted the caste census report and are committed to executing it in the near future. There is no need for any doubt regarding this," he assured.
