Karnataka Chief Minister Advocates for Enhanced SC/ST Reservation and Constitutional Safeguards
In a significant push for social equity, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has formally urged the Central Government to increase reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in alignment with their population demographics. Speaking at the Shri Maharshi Valmiki Fair–2026 in Harihar taluk, Davanagere district, the Chief Minister emphasized that this proposal should be enshrined in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure its protection from legal challenges.
Call for Equality and Socio-Economic Justice
Siddaramaiah announced that his government will dispatch an official communication to the Centre, pressing for measures to guarantee equality in employment, education, and socio-economic justice for SC and ST communities. He underscored the urgency of this move, linking it to broader efforts to uplift marginalized groups across India.
Criticism of BJP and Highlight of Karnataka's Pioneering Law
During his address, the Chief Minister took a pointed dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of failing to implement a landmark welfare legislation first enacted by Karnataka. He referenced the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Allocation and Tribal-Sub Allocation (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2013, which mandates budget allocations proportional to SC and ST populations. Siddaramaiah noted that this law was upheld by the Supreme Court, validating its constitutional soundness.
The legislation stipulates:
- Approximately 17.1% of the total budget for SC welfare.
- Roughly 6.9% for ST welfare, culminating in a combined allocation of nearly 24.1%.
- Comprehensive planning, monitoring, and auditing mechanisms, including social audits, to ensure transparent and effective utilization of funds.
Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka stands alongside Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as one of only three states to enact such a progressive law. In contrast, he pointed out that no BJP-governed states have adopted similar measures, framing this as a failure in commitment to social justice.
Financial Commitments and Comparative Spending
The Chief Minister provided detailed financial insights to bolster his argument. He stated that the previous BJP-led government in Karnataka expended Rs 1.1 lakh crore over four years on SC/ST welfare initiatives. In comparison, his administration has allocated Rs 1.2 lakh crore in just three years, demonstrating a heightened focus on these communities.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, a record-breaking sum of Rs 42,018 crore has been designated under this scheme, marking the highest allocation to date. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the law also extends beyond budgetary provisions, offering reservations for SC and ST contractors in government contracts and facilitating promotions for government employees from these backgrounds.
Infrastructure and Educational Concerns Raised by State Minister
Echoing the theme of empowerment, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi addressed concurrent issues during the event. He urged the state government to enhance the infrastructure of government hospitals and schools, noting that many SC and ST children rely on these institutions for education and healthcare.
Jarkiholi highlighted a critical shortage of teachers in schools, which hampers educational outcomes. "Good facilities in government hospitals will be convenient for people," he remarked, stressing the need for improved public services to support underprivileged communities effectively.
This collective advocacy from Karnataka's leadership underscores a robust commitment to advancing social justice through legislative action, financial investment, and infrastructural development, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
