Has the K'taka government raised the housing quota for minorities to 15%?

Bengaluru, June 19 (NationPress) - The Karnataka government has made a significant decision to enhance the reservation for minority communities in various housing schemes throughout both urban and rural sectors of the state, increasing it from the previous 10 percent to 15 percent.

This pivotal choice was made during a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

During a press conference following the meeting, Law Minister H.K. Patil announced, “The proposal from the Housing Department to boost the reservation for housing allotments in both rural and urban sectors — from 10 percent to 15 percent — has received official approval.”

Minister Patil emphasized, “The Central government had previously issued a directive acknowledging the housing shortage among minority communities. Recognizing the housing needs of these groups and the tenets of social justice, our government has opted to raise the reservation.”

He further noted, “It has come to our attention that a considerable number of individuals from minority groups lack home ownership. Our decision is backed by research and data indicating home ownership disparities among SC-ST communities and the general category. Considering this data, we have opted to elevate the reservation percentage.”

Minister Patil continued, “It is essential to increase the quota for communities experiencing inadequate housing.”

“The Central government also issues various guidelines for the execution of such schemes. The findings of the Sachar Committee report have also underscored these issues. Recently, the Centre provided directives regarding this matter. All these suggestions, along with our commitment to ensuring social justice, have been factored into this decision,” he reiterated.

He affirmed that there is no requirement to establish new regulations or modify existing laws to enact this decision. “All minority groups — including Muslims, Christians, and Jains — will benefit from this,” he added.

In response to inquiries, Patil remarked, “It is well-known that there is a growing demand for housing in urban areas. This context was considered in our deliberations.”

He acknowledged that some may interpret this decision as favoring Muslims exclusively. “For those seeking to politicize housing allocations for the less fortunate, we cannot provide justifications. Our government’s intent is to offer housing to communities genuinely in need,” he asserted.

He clarified that this decision encompasses all housing schemes. “Other communities will continue to receive their rightful reservations. SC-ST communities and those in the general category will also see benefits. There are dedicated schemes like the Basava scheme and the Ambedkar scheme. Both general and specific reservations will persist,” Patil concluded.