Amid growing demands for internal reservation within Scheduled Castes, Karnataka’s Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa assured on Monday, December 16, that the state government would require a minimum of three months to implement the policy.
The most marginalised communities among the Scheduled Castes have been demanding Internal reservations in jobs and education. Earlier in October, the state government had set up a one-man commission to collect data regarding the implementation of internal reservation in the state.
Speaking during a protest organised by several marginalised caste organisations in Belagavi, where the winter session of the state legislature is underway, Mahadevappa said that the law needed to be followed carefully on the issue. “We have fought for the implementation of internal reservation for 30 years. What is the use of becoming a minister if we cannot get this implemented?”
The Minister said that the government needed time to implement international reservation according to the directions of the Supreme Court. “Data needs to be collected carefully. If not, someone can go to the Supreme Court tomorrow. We need at least three months’ time.”
Other ministers such as Satish Jarkiholi, KH Muniyappa, RB Thimmapura too attended the event.
Shivasharana Haralayya, seer of Chitradurga said, “How much longer should we work in other people’s houses, or graze cattle? Should we not become doctors and engineers? Should we protest against the government with sticks, clubs and stones in our hands? If revolution is what is needed, we are ready for that too,” he said.
BJP MP and former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol questioned the state government’s delay in implementing internal reservation saying that there was a Supreme Court order already in favour of it.
BJP leaders such as party state president BY Vijayendra, R Ashok, CT Ravi and others also attended the event.