Nomadic communities seek 1% quota, warn of Belagavi chalo

Bengaluru: The Confederation of Untouchable Nomadic Communities of Karnataka has warned of launching an indefinite protest in Belagavi if the state government fails to provide a separate 1 per cent reservation for nomadic communities.

In a press note, the confederation expressed disappointment that the Cabinet did not decide on the issue at its December 4 meeting.

“The main question is whether they will decide on the issue of 15 per cent or 17 per cent reservation or discuss the long-pending demand for 1per cent reservation for the Alemari (nomadic) communities,” the note said.

Pointing out that there is currently a judicial stay on final appointments under the state government’s 6-6-5 internal reservation formula, the confederation said that, irrespective of the government’s decision or any legislation it may introduce, the recruitment process cannot commence without clarity on the 1 per cent quota for
nomadic communities.

“Protesting against the government’s attitude towards nomadic communities, we are giving a call for ‘Belagavi Chalo’. It will be an indefinite agitation, and we will pursue both legal and street-level protests,” the statement added.

Opposition to formula

The confederation said nomadic communities are opposing the 6-6-5 formula, under which 59 ‘most backward’ communities are grouped with ‘less backward’ communities such as Lambani, Bhovi, Korama and Koracha.

It pointed out that the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission had recommended a 1-6-5-4-1 formula. Apart from demanding a separate 1% reservation, nomadic communities are also seeking the creation of a separate corporation, excluding Korma and Korcha communities, and the announcement of a special welfare package.