Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Mar 9: At one end Hijab and saffron shawl controversy is going on in the state and on the other, various castes and communities have already cautioned government of fierce protests with regard to reservation, other benefits etc. Many castes say that they do not know what facilities they get from the government.

According to the official data there are 1216 castes in Karnataka. It was believed that only Hindu religion has many castes. But now it is identified that Christian and Muslim communities also have many sub castes.

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Many upper caste people are willing to join lower caste groups in order to get facilities from the government. However, as the government is still not aware of the exact number of castes, it is not possible to announce any benefits.

It is said that around 197 castes are still not recognised by the govt of Karnataka. There are 550 sub castes in these castes. This include Kuruba, Devadiga, Balija, Ediga, Rajput, Ganiga Kshatriya etc.

Appeal had been made to the chief minister to provide more grant in the budge of 2022 to these castes. The awareness forum of backward castes had met CM Bommai and submitted an appeal to him in this regard also last month.

Panchamasali community wants no inclusion to 2A category. CM Bommai had assured the forum that he will not take any decision till the backward community commission gives report on this matter.