Govt's GP poll sop to Sadhu Lingayats

The Principal Secretary to Social Welfare department has in a letter dated March 30, 2010, directed the DCs to “thoroughly verify” applications in this regard and issue the certificates. The DCs have also been advised not to make certificates issued in schools as the basis for issuing the caste certificates for Sadhu Lingayats.

Sadhu Lingayat is a sub-caste under Veerashiva Lingayat community. The sub-caste is called by different names in different region like Hindu Sadharu, Sadharu, Sadhumata, Sadhukula, Sadar, Sadugouda, Sadhugoudar, Sadara and Sadaragouda. People belonging to the sub-caste come under 3(b) category. By bringing them under BC (2)(a), they will be entitled to reservation benefits. Sadhu Lingayats are in considerable number in these six districts, sources said.

Elections to Gram Panchayats across the State are scheduled to be held in two phases on May 8 and 12.

Many groups and organisations belonging to backward classes have been opposing such a move for long time. A year ago, the State Government was even forced to withdraw its decision to include Sadhu Lingayats under the BC category.