Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 20: "I am pleased with the government's approval of the application considering orphans as part of the most backward class and granting them a 1% reservation," stated Jayaprakash Hegde, President of the Karnataka State Backward Class Commission.
Addressing the press after a review meeting of the Backward Class Department, Hegde explained, "The Bovi race was previously listed under Other Backward Classes (OBC), but upon the request of the people belonging to that race, we have removed it from the OBC reservation list, and they are now categorized under the Scheduled Castes (SC) list. The Mogera race, predominantly found in Uttar Kannada district, is listed in both SC and OBC Category 1. They have requested to be removed from the OBC list, and we will discuss this matter with the relevant departments and conduct the necessary verification. Another issue concerning the OBC community is related to deemed forest land. The government has informed us that they have released 6,000 hectares for deemed forest. However, resolving this problem requires the collaboration of the Forest and Revenue Departments, which we will pursue through a joint commission."
Regarding the Nadava race, Hegde mentioned that in Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts, they are categorized under 2A. However, in Udupi, their inclusion in the reservation list varies across different locations, thus necessitating further anthropological studies. Hegde stated that discussions with the Social Welfare Department would take place before making any changes.
Jayaprakash Hegde also expressed his opinion on handing over the management of Morarji Desai Schools to the Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the respective districts. The commission has decided to address this issue by writing a letter to the government. So far, the commission has submitted 34 reports, and its term is set to conclude by the end of November. The caste of children will be determined by the father, but in cases where the father has abandoned the family, the children will belong to their mother's caste.