Karnataka Cabinet Approves 4% Quota for Muslims in Tenders; Bill to be Introduced
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Synopsis
The Karnataka government has sanctioned a <b>4 percent reservation</b> for Muslims in government contracts alongside backward classes. The Cabinet's approval paves the way for a Bill to be introduced in the state legislature during the ongoing Budget Session, aiming to amend the <b>KTPP Act</b> of 1999.
Key Takeaways
- 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts approved.
- Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Siddaramaiah.
- Amendment to KTPP Act to be introduced.
- Criticism from the BJP regarding appeasement politics.
- Focus on integrating marginalized communities.
Bengaluru, March 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has announced a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, in addition to oppressed and backward classes. Sources have verified that the Cabinet has given its nod for this proposal, and a Bill will be introduced in the state legislature during the current Budget Session.
The amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act of 1999 seeks to allocate 4 percent reservation in tenders for Muslim contractors for government contracts valued up to Rs 1 crore, as stated by the sources.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has extended the limit for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Minority leaders had requested a reservation of 4 percent of contract works for Muslim contractors, akin to the reservations granted for SC, ST, and other backward classes.
In response to this request, the government has opted to implement the reservation. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was held to discuss the introduction of the Bill.
The government has been considering the implementation of a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in civil contracts, following the precedent set for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Communities, and Backward Classes.
The CM Siddaramaiah-led administration is prepared to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act of 1999. The Finance Department has already drafted the blueprint, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil has expressed support for the amendment, according to sources.
However, the BJP has criticized the state government, asserting that this initiative contradicts the essence of the Constitution and amounts to the “peak of appeasement politics”.
State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress of leading the state into conflict.
Vijayendra questioned the utility of reservation when no funds have been allocated for legislators and no tenders have been issued or work assigned.
He challenged the Congress, stating: “Does the grand old party think that only Muslims constitute the minority group?”
“I urge CM Siddaramaiah, if he is a true Ahinda (an acronym for Alpasankhyataru or minorities, Hindulidavaru or backward classes, and Dalitaru or Dalits), to empower marginalized communities economically,” the BJP leader remarked.
“Communities such as Madivala and Savita also exist and require state support. The government is failing to integrate these groups into the mainstream, instead opting for Muslim appeasement. The public will ultimately hold them accountable,” he asserted.
“Reservations based on religion for Muslims in education and employment violate the constitutional spirit. Now, the government proposes a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, which epitomizes appeasement politics,” Vijayendra charged.
“If the reservations were for all minority communities, we would not object,” he concluded.
