Bengaluru: The Karnataka government will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the inclusion of the state’s decision to increase reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the matter would also be discussed with the Prime Minister if an opportunity for a meeting arises.
Addressing the media after a meeting of the State Council for the Development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at Vikas Soudha, the Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, the government was committed to protecting the enhanced reservation and ensuring the welfare of these communities.
He said the Cabinet had decided to challenge the High Court’s verdict on internal reservation and reservation enhancement before the Supreme Court. The government’s appeal has been accepted, and discussions were held on appointing legal representatives to argue the case. Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara and Ministers K.H. Muniyappa and Satish Jarkiholi have been entrusted with overseeing the legal proceedings. He expressed confidence that the state would get justice from the Supreme Court.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Tamil Nadu provides 69 per cent reservation and said Karnataka was seeking only a six per cent increase beyond the existing 50 per cent ceiling.
He also announced plans to constitute a Vision Group to recommend new welfare programmes for SC and ST communities in the upcoming state budget. A Cabinet subcommittee headed by Dr G. Parameshwara has been formed to examine the implementation of manifesto promises and suggest improvements to existing schemes.
The government has decided to conduct a social audit through reputed institutions to assess the impact of funds allocated under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) over the years.For 2025-26, a total of Rs. 44,631 crore has been allocated under SCSP and TSP across 451 schemes implemented by 34 departments. The Chief Minister said the government would ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without diversion or misuse.
He revealed that Rs. 39,661.99 crore had been released under the two schemes, of which Rs. 39,557.43 crore had been spent, recording 99.74 per cent utilisation.Regarding government recruitment, he said that out of 19,115 backlog vacancies identified between 2001 and 2025, a total of 17,793 posts had been filled. Steps would be taken to fill the remaining 1,574 vacancies.
The Chief Minister also said the government would write to the Centre seeking the release of Rs. 1,937 crore pending under centrally sponsored schemes for 2025-26. The delay in releasing the Centre’s share had affected the implementation of several welfare programmes.
He directed officials to ensure transparency by publishing beneficiary details, photographs and videos on the website. He also instructed departments not to use SCSP and TSP funds for office-related expenses.The government has further decided to organise an SC/ST unity convention to explain the promises made before the Assembly elections and the measures implemented so far.
Additionally, the Education Department has been instructed to introduce improved uniforms for government school students and hostel residents from the next academic year. The Chief Minister said separate meetings would also be held with leaders of minority, Vokkaliga, Lingayat and Backward Classes communities before the Assembly session to discuss their welfare concerns.
