Karnataka caste census recommends raising Backward Class reservations to 51%

Karnataka's caste census report suggests raising reservations for Backward Communities from 32% to 51%, as they constitute nearly 70% of the state's population. The proposal includes extending this reservation to educational institutions, drawing parallels with Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand's higher reservation percentages. The survey, initiated in 2015 and completed in February 2024, places the OBC population at over 4.16 crore.

Siddaramaiah (ANI file photo) NEW DELHI: The caste census report submitted to the Karnataka Cabinet has recommended increasing reservations for Backward Communities from the existing 32% to 51%, government sources told PTI on Saturday. The recommendation is based on the findings of the socio-economic and educational survey, also known as the caste census, which highlights that Backward Communities make up nearly 70% of the state's population. The report also proposes extending this 51% reservation to educational institutions in Karnataka.

It draws comparisons with states like Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand, which currently provide 69% and 77% reservations respectively, in line with their backward class populations. According to the survey, the total population of Other Backward Castes (OBCs) stands at over 4.16 crore out of a surveyed population of approximately 5.

98 crore. The report also places the Scheduled Caste population at over 1.09 crore and the Scheduled Tribe population at over 42 lakh.

Poll Should the reservation policy be consistent across all states in India? No, it should vary by state Yes, it should be uniform The caste census was initially launched in 2015 under H Kantharaj and was later completed by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under the leadership of K Jayaprakash Hegde. The final report was submitted to chief minister Siddaramaiah in February 2024..