Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 18: The Karnataka State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Contractors Association has voiced concerns over the recent move to introduce a 4% quota for Muslims in government tenders. In a plea submitted to chief minister Siddaramaiah, the association has urged the government to ensure that existing reservations for SC/ST contractors remain unaffected by the ongoing political controversy.

The matter has taken a political turn, with the BJP strongly opposing the reservation for Muslims and warning of legal action. The association fears that a legal challenge to the government order could indirectly put the SC/ST reservation at risk, as both quotas are mentioned together in the policy.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Mahadeva Swamy, president of the Karnataka State SC/ST Contractors Association, stated that the association has formally submitted its concerns to the Chief Minister and the relevant minister. He expressed hope that necessary modifications would be made to safeguard the interests of SC/ST contractors.

“The government has set the quota for tenders in a single order. However, BJP leaders and central ministers have signalled their intent to challenge the Muslim quota in court. If this happens, the entire reservation system in government tenders, including that for SC/ST contractors, could come under legal scrutiny,” Swamy explained.

To prevent any unintended consequences, the association has urged the government to clearly separate the provisions for Muslim reservations and SC/ST reservations under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, 1999, when presenting amendments in the legislature.

Swamy clarified that the Muslim quota would not impact the 24% reservation currently allotted to SC/ST contractors. He further noted that the association welcomed the government’s decision to increase the reservation limit in government tenders from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. The move to extend reservations to Category-1, Category 2A, and Category 2B contractors was also appreciated.

The existing SC/ST quota in government tenders has been upheld by the Supreme Court and approved by the President of India, confirming its constitutionality. However, with the government preparing to introduce the KTPP (Amendment) Act to accommodate the Muslim quota, the BJP has intensified its opposition, calling the move unconstitutional.

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of attempting to divide the nation through its policy and has vowed to challenge the decision in court. Addressing the media in New Delhi, BJP National Yuva Morcha president and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya termed the move ‘patently unconstitutional and prima facie illegal’ and confirmed that legal action would be taken to halt its implementation.