Karnataka Cabinet Clears SC Internal Reservation: 5.25:5.25:4.5 Formula Approved, Major Recruitment Drive Ahead

NewsFlash Daily™

24 April

Siddaramaiah Govt Finalises Sub-Quota Within SCs, Aligns Policy with 50% Cap; Over 56,000 Govt Jobs to Follow New System

Bengaluru: In a historic and politically significant move, the Karnataka Cabinet led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved internal reservation within the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, adopting a 5.25%: 5.25%: 4.5% formula for different sub-groups.

The decision, announced after a Cabinet meeting, aims to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among various SC communities, while staying within the Supreme Court-mandated 50% cap on total reservations.

5.25:5.25:4.5 Formula Explained

Under the newly approved structure:

1. 5.25% reservation has been allocated to left-handed SC communities
2. 5.25% reservation to right-handed SC communities, including groups such as Bovi, Lambani, Koracha, Korama and several nomadic castes
3. 4.5% reservation has been earmarked for other SC communities

This restructured quota falls within the broader 15% reservation for Scheduled Castes and 3% for Scheduled Tribes, recalibrated to comply with judicial limits.

“This decision will ensure equal justice to all Scheduled Caste communities and address long-standing disparities,” the Chief Minister said.

Policy Rooted in Legal and Social Framework

The Cabinet’s decision follows recommendations from a commission led by retired Justice Nagamohan Das, formed after judicial observations allowing states to design internal reservation frameworks.

Earlier, a 6:6:5 model had been proposed when total reservation stood at 17% for SCs. However, after legal scrutiny referencing the landmark Indra Sawhney vs Union of India judgment, which caps reservations at 50%, the formula was revised to the current 5.25:5.25:4.5 structure.

Officials clarified that the decision remains subject to final court orders, and any excess reservation beyond 50% will be treated as backlog until judicial clarity emerges.

Focus on Social Equity and Inclusion

The government stated that the move is aimed at uplifting historically marginalised sub-groups within SCs, many of whom have long demanded a fair share in reservation benefits.

The policy also draws from consultations held during the Scheduled Castes Conference in Chitradurga, where representatives from over 100 SC communities and 59 nomadic groups reportedly supported internal reservation.

56,432 Government Jobs to Follow New Reservation Policy

In a major boost to employment, the Chief Minister confirmed that 56,432 government posts will be filled this year, with notifications to be issued soon.

Importantly, the new internal reservation system will be implemented across all recruitments, ensuring immediate application of the revised quota.

Additionally, Category ‘C’ posts will include reservation benefits for 59 nomadic castes, now aligned with the 4.5% allocation under the revised formula.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to 24% Total Reservation

The state reiterated its commitment to providing 24% total reservation, including 17% for Scheduled Castes and 7% for Scheduled Tribes, subject to court approval in the future.

The Cabinet described the move as a “historic step towards equality and social justice”, expressing confidence that it will receive support from Dalit organisations and other communities.