Siddaramaiah Confirms Internal Reservation Implementation in Karnataka

Bengaluru, April 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, emphasized that there is no reason to doubt the implementation of internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes, which his government is committed to executing in the state "without injustice to anyone".

"Even if you (people) object, we will ensure its implementation. We will strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives," Siddaramaiah stated during an event commemorating the 118th birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, hosted by the Department of Social Welfare, on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha.

"Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das has requested two months’ time. We have granted it. After that, we will ensure its implementation without injustice to anyone," he mentioned.

The Karnataka Cabinet has given its approval for the interim report from the one-man commission led by Justice Nagamohan Das (retired), which was formed to analyze and recommend internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes.

Previously, Law Minister H.K. Patil indicated that the interim report from the Nagamohan Das Commission has been accepted by the Cabinet. They have decided to assign the responsibility of conducting a new survey to the Nagamohan Das Committee, and the classification for internal reservation will be expedited. He mentioned that the committee’s tenure has been extended by two months to allow them to complete the survey within 60 days and deliver the report.

Referring to Babu Jagjivan Ram as a freedom fighter and an advocate for social justice, Siddaramaiah stated: "The caste system perpetuates inequality in society. He firmly believed that as long as caste exists, reservation must persist."

"We did not create the caste system, but we have endured the inequality it has produced. As long as caste exists, opportunities will not be equal, as the caste system continues to influence society," he asserted.

Regarding reservations in general, he remarked: "Those who previously opposed reservation are now benefiting from it and enjoying its privileges. Consequently, there is no opposition to reservation anymore."

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a 10 percent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), everyone has become a beneficiary of reservation, he asserted.

He stressed that education is essential for unlocking hidden potential and enabling youth to progress with dignity.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that only Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have enacted the SCP-TSP Act (Scheduled Caste Sub Plan-Tribal Sub Plan). "Why haven’t BJP-ruled states, which advocate social justice, enacted this law? Is mere rhetoric sufficient? Shouldn’t it be reflected in actions?" he questioned.

He claimed that the five guarantees implemented by his administration have effectively ensured that people have financial resources at their disposal and increased their purchasing power.

Reflecting on Babu Jagjivan Ram's contributions as a Union Minister, Siddaramaiah remarked: "He spearheaded the Green Revolution and ensured food security for all. In those times, meals were available only during festivals. We initiated the Anna Bhagya scheme to ensure that no one faces hunger and no one goes to bed hungry."

He encouraged everyone to honor the legacy of this great leader and to follow in his footsteps.

"Both Jagjivan Ram and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar recognized society's struggles. The Constitution emerged as a remedy for these issues, granting us all the right to education," he stated.

"We will not encounter another Ambedkar or Jagjivan Ram. Hence, we must uphold the ideals and concerns they left behind," he added.