Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 5: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday firmly stated that there should be no doubts regarding the implementation of internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes in Karnataka, emphasising that his government will implement it "without injustice to anyone."

Speaking at the 118th birth anniversary celebrations of Babu Jagjivan Ram, held by the department of social welfare at the Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah addressed concerns over the internal reservation, asserting, "Even if there are objections, we will ensure its implementation. We will strictly follow the Supreme Court’s directions."

Justice H N Nagamohan Das, who heads the one-man commission set up to study and recommend internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes, had requested a two-month extension for completing his work, which was granted by the state government. Siddaramaiah further clarified, “Justice HN Nagamohan Das has sought two months' time, which we have granted. After that, we will ensure its implementation without injustice to anyone.”

The Karnataka Cabinet has already approved the interim report submitted by the Nagamohan Das Commission. The report suggests conducting a fresh survey, and the Cabinet has entrusted the commission with the responsibility of classification for internal reservation, which will be processed on a fast-track basis. The commission’s tenure has been extended by two months to complete the survey within 60 days and submit the final report.

During the event, Siddaramaiah also reflected on the legacy of Babu Jagjivan Ram, whom he described as a freedom fighter and a fierce advocate for social justice. “Due to the caste system, inequality still exists in society. Jagjivan Ram had a clear stance: as long as caste exists, reservation must continue,” he said.

The chief minister further added, “We did not create the caste system, but we have suffered from the inequality it caused. As long as caste continues to influence society, equal opportunities will not be available.” Regarding the broader context of reservations, Siddaramaiah noted that those who once spoke against reservation are now benefiting from it. “Those who once spoke against reservation are now availing its benefits and enjoying the privileges. Therefore, no one opposes reservation anymore,” he remarked.

Siddaramaiah also took the opportunity to praise the Modi government’s decision to introduce a 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), saying, “After Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced 10 per cent reservation under EWS, everyone has become a beneficiary of reservation.”

The Chief Minister reiterated his belief in the importance of education for empowering the youth. He stressed that it brings out hidden talent and allows people to grow with dignity.

Additionally, Siddaramaiah pointed out that only three states — Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh — have implemented the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan-Tribal Sub Plan (SCP-TSP) Act. He questioned why BJP-ruled states, which often speak about social justice, have not yet implemented this law, asking, "Is mere speech enough? Shouldn’t it reflect in action?"

The CM also spoke about his government’s five guarantees, claiming they have successfully put money in people's hands and increased their purchasing power.

He recalled the significant contributions of Babu Jagjivan Ram as a Union Minister, especially his leadership during the green revolution, which ensured food security for the country.

“Back then, we only had meals during festivals. We launched the Anna Bhagya scheme so that no one should go through such a situation, and no one should sleep hungry,” Siddaramaiah said.

Finally, the chief minister urged the public to remember the concerns and contributions of this great leader and follow in his footsteps. “Both Jagjivan Ram and Dr B R Ambedkar understood the struggles of society. The Constitution emerged as a solution to these problems, and it gave us all the right to education,” he stated. He concluded with a reminder, “We won’t get another Ambedkar or Jagjivan Ram. Therefore, we must follow the ideals and concerns they left behind.”