As Karnataka grapples with a highly contentious issue, the caste census remains a focal point of debate and political maneuvering. The state cabinet’s recent decision to halt all government recruitments pending the submission of a report by a one-man commission on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) has triggered concerns and raised questions about the future of affirmative action in the state.
Historical Context and Current Developments
The roots of the caste census in Karnataka trace back to the early 2000s, driven by the need to collect accurate data for effective policy-making. In 2015, during his first term as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah commissioned a caste census, marking a significant step towards understanding the socio-economic landscape of Karnataka’s diverse population. This initiative involved a massive undertaking, with over 1,800 castes and sub-castes identified during the survey, far exceeding the previously recognized 1,351. The data, collected through door-to-door visits, cost the state a staggering ₹160 crore.
Fast forward to October 2024, the state cabinet approved the constitution of a commission, headed by retired high court judge K. Jayaprakash Hegde, to assess the demand for internal reservation among SCs. The commission is expected to submit its report within three months. This decision comes after a pivotal Supreme Court ruling in August 2024 that granted state governments the authority to implement internal reservation for SCs based on empirical data, allowing for sub-classifications within the SC community.
Political Maneuvering and Public Sentiment
While the commission’s formation appears to address long-standing demands from various SC groups, particularly those advocating for internal reservation, it has also drawn criticism. Law and parliamentary affairs minister H.K. Patil stated that the government aims to fulfill the demands of a section of SCs who feel marginalized in the current reservation framework. However, this bold move comes with its challenges, particularly in addressing the political implications and potential backlash from various community groups.
The demand for internal reservations has been championed mainly by SC groups aligned with leftist ideologies. They argue that the current reservation system disproportionately benefits certain sects within the SC community, leaving others—especially the severely backward groups—at a disadvantage. The Justice A.J. Sadashiva Commission had previously recommended internal reservations in 2012, suggesting a classification of the SC sub-castes into four categories: Right, Left, Touchables, and Others. The BJP government had made initial moves towards implementing this by allocating specific percentages to each category ahead of the 2023 assembly elections, leading to allegations of politically motivated actions.
As of now, the government is in a state of limbo. The Supreme Court ruling has opened doors for internal reservations, but there is ambiguity regarding whether the new commission will consider the long-awaited caste census data or rely on the outdated 2011 census. Minister H.C. Mahadevappa’s statement regarding the terms of reference for the commission reflects the ongoing uncertainty.
Socio-Economic Implications
The caste census is not merely an administrative exercise; it holds profound implications for Karnataka’s social fabric. The 2024 census data revealed that over 400 new castes have emerged in the state, primarily due to migration from other regions. The ongoing discourse about the caste census highlights significant disparities among various communities. The Ahinda (an acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) group has been vociferously advocating for the implementation of the census findings, while dominant land-owning communities like the Vokkaligas and Lingayats have expressed resistance, fearing that the census results may dilute their political power.
The opposition has capitalised on this divide, arguing that the current government is using the caste census as a diversionary tactic from ongoing controversies, including allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding irregularities in land allotment to his family. The BJP and JD(S) have consistently criticised the caste census, claiming it lacks scientific rigour and is outdated, given that the last census was conducted nearly a decade ago.
The Path Ahead
Karnataka is currently at a crossroads. The caste census is crucial for effective policy-making, as it offers insights into the socio-economic status of diverse communities. However, the ongoing political debates and the forthcoming elections in November 2024 add layers of complexity to the situation. The government’s apparent indecision on when and how to release the caste census data, especially with a divided cabinet, presents a significant challenge.
While the commission’s report is anticipated to bring clarity, the inherent risks of political fallout loom large. As public sentiment grows increasingly polarized, the state must navigate these treacherous waters carefully. A failure to address the caste census comprehensively could exacerbate existing inequalities, undermine social cohesion, and hinder Karnataka’s development agenda.