Will Karnataka CM Resubmit Kuruba Community's ST Inclusion Request?

Kalaburagi (Karnataka) Sep 17 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday that the Kuruba community had previously been proposed for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, but this recommendation was returned by the Central government. He assured that additional data and supporting documents will be compiled and resubmitted.

This announcement is likely to spark debate within the state, as there is significant opposition from other communities concerning the inclusion of the Kuruba community, to which the Chief Minister himself belongs, into the ST category.

Siddaramaiah made these remarks during an event organized by the Karnataka State Kuruba Sangha and the Sangolli Rayanna Youth Association. He also unveiled a statue of Rayanna and named the city bus station after the freedom fighter. The Chief Minister highlighted that Rayanna’s birth anniversary is celebrated on Independence Day, August 15, and noted that the British executed him on January 26, a date that eventually became Republic Day.

In response to opposition from Valmiki community leaders regarding the Kuruba community's potential ST inclusion, he emphasized that the final decision lies with the Central government, while the state can only make recommendations. He urged that there is no need for opposition.

Siddaramaiah encouraged the public to record “Kuruba” in the caste column during a survey taking place from September 22 to October 7, asserting that this would clarify the community's status and access to social benefits. He explained that the survey aims to assess the precise status of all caste communities in the state.

He pointed out that the Kuruba community, which comprises around 7 percent of the state’s population, remains significantly disadvantaged in education. Thus, it is crucial for all community members to pursue education and elevate their status in this field.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Kanaka Guru Peetha aims to provide education to all marginalized communities. Both Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Narayana Guru believed that education is key to achieving independence and self-respect, emphasizing that the caste system has fostered inequality.

“We have traversed the entire state to establish the Kanaka Guru Peetha, but now some self-proclaimed individuals claim they were the ones who did it. Do not believe such assertions. I leave the decision to you. May your love and trust always remain with me. My political journey is solely for social justice. Regardless of whether I am in power, I will consistently advocate for social justice. Let us all follow the path of Kanakadasa and Sangolli Rayanna,” he urged.

He reiterated that the vision of a caste-less and class-less society is the aspiration of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar. He mentioned that the government is actively working to eliminate inequality through various welfare schemes and guarantees.

He highlighted that a society lacking economic advancement cannot progress. Thus, it is essential for socially and economically marginalized communities to experience development. Only then will the dreams of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar come to fruition. He recalled that during his initial tenure as Chief Minister, he conducted a social and educational survey of backward communities for this very purpose.