The Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka has decided to provide internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SCs). Under this, 101 castes will be divided into three categories.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has taken a significant decision to provide internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes (SC). The government of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved a new reservation formula, dividing 101 Scheduled Castes into three categories. This step is based on the recommendations of the Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission report, which aims to distribute SC reservation more equitably.
101 Castes Divided into Three Categories
Scheduled Castes in Karnataka receive a total of 17 percent reservation. However, not all SC castes are receiving equal opportunities. Therefore, the government has decided to ensure through internal reservation that each caste receives its fair share of reservation. The recommendations of the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission report were discussed in detail at a special cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The commission submitted its 1766-page report to the Chief Minister on August 4, which was placed before the cabinet on August 7. According to sources, the cabinet accepted the commission's report but made some changes. Under the new reservation formula:
- Right-wing SCs and Left-wing SCs will get 6 percent reservation each.
- 'Spृshya' (Touchable) Dalit communities such as Lambani, Bhovi, Korama, and Korcha, extremely backward and nomadic communities will get 5 percent reservation.
- Through this new formula, the state government aims to ensure that all SC castes receive fair representation according to their social and economic status.
What did the Commission recommend?
The Justice Nagamohan Das Commission originally suggested internal reservation in five categories:
- Most Backward Community (Group A) – 1 percent
- SC (Left) / Madiga Community (Group B) – 6 percent
- SC (Right) / Holeya (Group C) – 5 percent
- 'Spृshya' (Touchable) Community (Group D) – 4 percent
- Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida, and Adi Andhra Community (Group E) – 1 percent
Minister's Statement
Speaking to reporters, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said that the cabinet meeting was "meaningful" and the ministers representing all Scheduled Caste communities are satisfied. He said, "The cabinet meeting lasted for about two and a half hours. We all came out of the cabinet hall happy and satisfied. The session of the state legislature is going on and there is no scope to disclose the details. The Chief Minister will give a statement on behalf of the government in the House tomorrow."
