Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 27: The Justice (Retired) H N Nagamohan Das panel has submitted its much-awaited interim report on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in government jobs. The report was handed over to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.
Food minister K H Muniyappa, social justice minister H C Mahadevappa, and other dignitaries were present during the submission. The report, titled Honourable Justice H N Nagamohan Das Single Member Bench: Classification of Scheduled Caste Internal Reservation, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the state’s policy on SC reservations.
The Karnataka government has reiterated its commitment to implementing internal reservation once the report is reviewed. Home minister G Parameshwara, speaking at a press conference earlier, reaffirmed that the Congress government had promised internal reservation in its election manifesto and was determined to fulfill it.
"Our government is committed to implementing internal reservation for Scheduled Castes. Justice Nagamohan Das has emphasized the importance of empirical data in making an informed decision," he said.
Minister Mahadevappa, who was part of the discussions, stated that a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister had deliberated on the issue in detail.
"The committee had submitted an initial report outlining the progress. A proposal has been put forward for its swift implementation," he said.
He further added that internal reservation would be based on empirical data and that all aspects of the matter had been carefully considered. "No community has raised specific demands regarding the percentage of reservation. Most government departments have provided the required data, and we will ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines," he said.
Until internal reservation is formally implemented, the government has decided to put on hold backlog appointments, promotions, and new recruitments under the SC quota.