What Did the Nagamohan Das Commission Report Reveal about Internal Reservation to Karnataka CM?

Bengaluru, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission, appointed by the Karnataka government to analyze and propose measures for internal reservation within the Scheduled Caste (SC) quota, has delivered its comprehensive 1,766-page report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on Monday.

A release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) indicated that 27.24 lakh families and 1.07 crore individuals took part in the survey. The Supreme Court has outlined criteria for internal reservation based on educational backwardness, under-representation in government jobs, and social backwardness.

The data gathered from the survey and relevant government agencies was assessed according to the Supreme Court’s guidelines. Consequently, sub-castes within the SC category were classified, and internal reservation was designated. The extensive report encompasses key findings, data, references, and recommendations. It's noteworthy that Justice Nagamohan Das declined any fee or honorarium for his efforts.

During a media briefing at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the submission of the internal reservation report to the government. Justice Nagamohan Das and other commission members were present at the time. “The report will be presented to the Cabinet on August 7. Decisions will follow after discussions in the Cabinet,” stated the CM.

When queried about the controversies surrounding the internal reservation report, CM Siddaramaiah asserted that no such issues existed.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a notable figure from the Scheduled Caste community, remarked, “This is a historic report. The Justice Nagamohan Das Commission has compiled its findings in an organized and scientific manner for the first time in the nation.”

“The Commission utilized modern technology and completed the report within two months. We are yet to learn the specifics. CM Siddaramaiah has instructed that it be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, after which discussions regarding its implementation will commence,” Parameshwara said.

He added, “The Cabinet must accept the report. It is not solely my decision, nor can even CM Siddaramaiah decide unilaterally.”

Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, commented, “We are endorsing the report. The CM has convened a meeting to deliberate on accepting the report and subsequent actions. The CM will evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the report. Further discussions will take place once it is formally submitted.”

Former minister H. Anjaneya stated, “We are eager and concerned about the report. The Sadashiva Commission previously recommended 6 percent reservation. The Madhuswamy Cabinet Sub-Committee had also suggested 6 percent. This Commission is expected to propose 6 to 7 percent. For the last 35 years, communities under the Dalit Left category, especially safai karmacharis and laborers, have sought justice.”

The Supreme Court ruled on August 1, 2024, permitting state governments to provide internal reservations after reclassifying sub-castes through a survey in pursuit of social justice for all. In January, the Congress-led Karnataka government constituted the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission to investigate internal reservation among Scheduled Castes and prepare a report.

The Commission released an interim report on March 27, advocating for a fresh survey due to inadequate existing data. The Cabinet approved this interim recommendation the same day, leading to a statewide survey conducted from May 5 to July 6.