Bengaluru: In a significant administrative review on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a meeting at Vidhana Soudha to assess the implementation of internal reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the state. The meeting brought together senior ministers, officials, and the chief secretary to ensure that the internal quota system is enforced fairly and in compliance with legal directives.

Emphasis on Fairness and Legal Compliance

During the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that all grievances regarding caste-based recruitment must be heard and addressed. He directed officials to ensure that the roster system—used to apportion posts among SC communities—is administered in a way that prevents any caste from being unfairly disadvantaged.

“While enforcing the roster system, all grievances must be heard, and it should be ensured that no caste faces injustice in the process,” Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the government had already released detailed guidelines for issuing caste certificates. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in recruitment processes. Additionally, following the removal of the recruitment ban, the age limit for eligible candidates has been relaxed for one term, allowing a broader pool of applicants to participate in upcoming recruitment drives.

Recruitment Notifications and Administrative Steps

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has issued recruitment notifications reflecting the updated internal quota rules. CM Siddaramaiah instructed officials to maintain strict legal compliance during all stages of recruitment, from notifications to appointments, and to actively monitor the process for any discrepancies.

State ministers present at the meeting included G Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa, KH Muniyappa, Shivaraj Tangadagi, HK Patil, Priyank Kharge, and BR Timmappa, along with Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and other senior administrative officials.

Background: Internal SC Quota System

The current initiative follows a Supreme Court order on August 1, 2024, which empowered states to implement internal quota systems based on empirical data. Telangana was the first state to introduce such a system, and Karnataka is now preparing to implement it.

In August 2025, the Karnataka government issued an order mandating internal reservations for SCs, specifying how the state’s 17% SC quota would be apportioned among different sub-groups covering 101 castes.

The cabinet also directed the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) to initiate direct recruitment and promotions for vacancies that had been pending due to the prior delay in deciding internal quota allocations. The government further announced that the upper age limit would be relaxed, ensuring candidates previously excluded due to age constraints could now participate.

Apportionment of SC Quotas

The cabinet accepted the recommendations of the Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission on August 19 but modified the proposed structure. Instead of five categories (A, B, C, D, E), the government consolidated them into three groups:

• Group A: 16 SC (Left) castes allotted 6%
• Group B: 19 SC (Right) castes allotted 6%
• Group C: 59 nomadic SC castes, including Bhovi, Lambani, Koracha, and Korama, allotted 5%

The August order also clarified the position of Adi communities, including Adi Andhra, Adi Karnataka, and Adi Dravida, allowing them to avail reservation under Group A or Group B, depending on their original caste identification.

Ensuring Administrative Robustness

CM Siddaramaiah reiterated the importance of both legal and administrative robustness in the implementation of internal SC quotas. He directed officials to monitor recruitment, renewal, and other related procedures to promptly identify and address any lapses.

“Necessary legal steps should be taken to ensure that the law is enacted and enforced in accordance with the court’s guidance,” he stated.

Moving Forward

Karnataka’s steps toward implementing internal SC quotas mark a significant development in the state’s efforts to ensure equitable representation among Scheduled Castes in government services. With strict monitoring, clear guidelines, and administrative oversight, the state aims to balance legal compliance with social justice objectives.

The review meeting underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness while addressing the long-standing need to ensure that all SC communities receive their due representation in state services.