Internal Quota: Karnataka Assembly passes Bill ratifying govt’s 6-6-5 formula

Belagavi: The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Karnataka Scheduled Castes (Sub-Classification) Bill, 2025, ratifying the 6-6-5 formula of the government, even as both sides tried to claim credit for the decision.

Piloting the Bill, Social Welfare Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa explained the background of the internal reservation issue, and how the state government had “modified” the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission report (1-6-5-4-1 formula modified to 6-6-5).

As per the 6-6-5 formula, Madigas and 15 affiliated castes get 6% reservation in Group A, Holeyas and 18 affiliated castes get 6% reservation in Group B and Lambani, Bhovi, Korma, Korcha and 59 'most backward' communities get 5% reservation in Group C (Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida and Adi Andhra communities can either take reservation under Group A or B but their choice will be final and irreversible).

Referring to the demand of the 59 'most backward' SC castes seeking a separate 1% reservation, Mahadevappa noted that they would be given first preference in recruitment in Group C.

Speaking about the issue, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad noted that the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led government had increased reservation for SCs from 15% to 17% and had provided internal reservation based on the 6–5.5–4.5–1% formula.

“At that time, Siddaramaiah, who was then the Leader of the Opposition, had said this is impossible, cannot be permitted as per law and that BJP is lying. But today I welcome this Bill which is coming based on the same 17% reservation.”

Taking strong exception to Bellad’s claim, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: “I have never spoken against 17% to SCs and 7% to STs. You shouldn’t give wrong information like this... Will you give evidence?? Even I have fought for providing reservation to SCs and STs as per (their) population. I have never opposed it. Bellad is lying.”

As discussions persisted, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka brought a copy of the debate between himself and Siddaramaiah (then LoP), when the Bill enhancing reservation for SCs was introduced.

Quoting the chief minister, Ashoka said: “The reservation cannot exceed 50% as per the Supreme Court's (ruling) in the Indra Sawhney case, there needs to be a Constitutional amendment and it must be added to the 9th schedule. You have framed a law, made an ordinance. I have mentioned in the all-party meeting that this is an eyewash.”

Bellad asked Siddaramaiah to withdraw his charge against him.

Responding to this, Siddaramaiah explained that in that very debate he had stated that the reservation cap “must increase” beyond the 50% cap. “It must happen. SCs must get 17% reservation as per their population. STs should get 7% reservation…,” the CM said quoting his earlier speech.

IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge explained that it was indeed an "eyewash," as the Supreme Court had not yet empowered the states to provide internal reservation for SCs in 2022 (In August 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that states are empowered to provide internal reservation).

Opposition leaders such as Bellad, CB Suresh Babu, HD Revanna and others welcomed the government’s decision to introduce internal reservation for 17%, but sought separate reservation for 59 ‘most backward’ SC communities that had been clubbed with ‘less backward’ Lambani, Bhovi, Korma and Korcha communities.

The Assembly also passed the Karnataka State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Provide 18% reservation to SCs: Rayareddy

Congress Leader and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy urged the government to increase the reservation percentage for Scheduled Castes (SCs) to 18%, so that the nomadic SC communities could be provided a separate 1% reservation.

"According to the 2011 census, the population of SCs is 17.15%. So, I request the chief minister to increase it to 18%. That way, a separate 1% reservation can be provided to the nomadic communities. It (reservation) will become 57%. Let's go to 75%. Tamil Nadu has already made 69% (reservation)."