Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Thursday, 12 November 2026, that the state government will formally write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the inclusion of Karnataka's enhanced reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution — a move that would shield the policy from judicial review. Shivakumar also expressed confidence that the state would secure relief from the Supreme Court, which has admitted the state's appeal against a High Court judgment striking down the enhanced quota.

Background: What Triggered the Move

The Karnataka state Cabinet had earlier decided to challenge the High Court judgment that struck down its enhanced reservation policy for SCs and STs. The state's petition has since been admitted by the Supreme Court. Shivakumar made the announcement after chairing a meeting of the State Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Council, which was reviewing the 2026-27 action plan for Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (SCSP/TSP) programmes.

Significantly, Karnataka is seeking only a six per cent increase beyond the 50 per cent reservation ceiling set by the Supreme Court. Shivakumar pointed to the precedent set by Tamil Nadu, which currently operates with 69 per cent reservation — itself shielded through Ninth Schedule inclusion — as a reference point for Karnataka's ask.

Legal and Political Strategy

'We will write to the Prime Minister regarding the inclusion of the decision to enhance reservation for SCs and STs in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. If it is possible to meet the Prime Minister, we will also discuss the matter with him,' Shivakumar said.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Minister K.H. Muniyappa, and Minister Satish Jarkiholi have been entrusted with monitoring the Supreme Court case and deciding the state's legal strategy. A Cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy CM Parameshwara has also been formed to review the implementation of welfare programmes promised by the state government.

Funds, Allocations and Accountability

For 2025-26 and the current financial year, Karnataka has allocated ₹42,503 crore and ₹44,631 crore respectively under SCSP/TSP programmes, covering 451 schemes across 34 departments. According to the state government, ₹39,661.99 crore was released under SCSP and TSP during 2025-26, of which ₹39,557.43 crore was spent — recording a 99.74 per cent utilisation rate.

On central funding, Shivakumar said the state would write to the Union government seeking the release of ₹1,937 crore pending under Centrally sponsored schemes for 2025-26. Of the total ₹10,011 crore allocated under such schemes, the Centre's share stood at ₹3,497 crore and the state's share at ₹6,514 crore. However, only ₹1,560 crore of the Central share has been released so far. Shivakumar directed Finance Department officials to release the state's share even if the pending central funds are not received, to prevent delays in welfare scheme implementation.

Transparency and New Oversight Measures

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure equitable allocation among all SC and ST communities and make beneficiary details — including photographs — available online. He also stressed that funds earmarked under SCSP and TSP must not be diverted for office expenses.

A Vision Group will be constituted to recommend new welfare programmes for SC and ST communities, and a social audit will be conducted through reputed institutions to assess the impact of funds spent under SCSP/TSP over the years. A team of ministers and SC/ST legislators will also be formed to review fund allocations and suggest changes in consultation with the Finance Department.

Shivakumar additionally announced plans to fill remaining backlog vacancies in government services, improve school uniforms, and upgrade hostel facilities from next year. Separate consultations with leaders from minority, Vokkaliga, Lingayat, and backward communities are planned before the upcoming Legislative session.

What Comes Next

The Centre's response to Karnataka's letter will be closely watched, given that Ninth Schedule inclusion requires parliamentary approval and political consensus at the national level. With the Supreme Court having admitted Karnataka's appeal, the legal front remains active in parallel. The outcome could set a precedent for other states seeking to push reservation beyond the 50 per cent ceiling.