The government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is preparing to review its earlier decision to fill 56,432 government vacancies without applying internal reservation among Scheduled Caste communities. The reconsideration follows mounting pressure from Left sect SC groups and concerns raised by ministers within the ruling Congress party. The state cabinet is expected to deliberate on introducing pro rata internal reservation within the Scheduled Caste quota framework at its upcoming meeting.
The development comes shortly after Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot granted assent to the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub Classification Bill 2025. The legislation, passed in December last year, proposes restructuring the reservation system among Scheduled Caste communities and enhancing the overall quota from 15 percent to 17 percent. The bill seeks to distribute this quota among 101 SC communities in the state through internal categorisation.
According to the framework outlined in the legislation, the 17 percent reservation would be divided into three categories. Six percent would be allocated to 16 communities identified under Category A, commonly referred to as the Left sect. Another six percent would be earmarked for 19 communities grouped under Category B, known as the Right sect. The remaining five percent would be assigned to 63 communities classified under Category C. Communities such as Adi Andhra, Adi Dravida and Adi Karnataka would have the option to choose reservation under either Category A or Category B, as per eligibility.
The governor’s assent followed protests in Dharwad by job aspirants who demanded that the government expedite recruitment to nearly 2.5 lakh vacancies across various departments. Recruitment activities have largely remained paused since October 2024 to facilitate implementation of the internal quota system. The delay in filling vacancies has generated concern among candidates awaiting government employment opportunities.
Officials indicated that the cabinet’s upcoming discussion will focus on whether ongoing recruitment processes should incorporate the internal sub classification immediately or await further administrative preparations. The state government is also assessing the legal and procedural implications of implementing the revised quota structure.
Supporters of internal reservation argue that equitable distribution within the Scheduled Caste quota is necessary to ensure that historically underrepresented communities receive fair access to education and employment opportunities. They maintain that sub classification addresses disparities that have persisted within the broader SC category.
Opposition voices and some aspirants have expressed apprehension regarding potential delays in recruitment due to policy adjustments. However, government representatives have stated that efforts are being made to balance social justice objectives with the need to fill vacancies promptly.
The cabinet’s decision is expected to shape the next phase of recruitment in Karnataka and determine how the revised reservation framework will be applied in practice. The outcome will be closely watched by job aspirants, community organisations and legal observers across the state.
