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The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka is reviewing the proposal to introduce reservation for Muslims in public contracts for construction (civil) works. According to media reports, Rs 1 crore. If approved, the measure will increase Karnataka’s quota in government tenders to 47 percent.
Karnataka’s current reservation framework
Currently, Karnataka reserves 43 per cent of civil work contracts: 24 per cent for SC/ST, 4 per cent for OBC contractors under Category-1 and 15 per cent for Category-2A OBCs.
The proposed inclusion of 4 per cent reservation for Muslims under Category-2B will contribute to this structure, taking the total quota to 47 per cent.
4% Muslim Quota Proposal: Details and Explanation
Media reports emerged that the Congress administration was considering adding Muslims to the ambit of reservation, sparking political and public debate. “The demand to include Muslims under Category-2B with 4 per cent reservation is being examined. No decision has been taken yet,” the report quoted people familiar with the development as saying.
Hours after the report surfaced, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) clarified the position, saying that though demands for such reservation have been received, no official proposal is currently under consideration.
The CMO confirmed, “It is true that there is a demand to give reservation to Muslims in government contracts but there is no proposal before the government yet.”
Background of 4% Muslim quota proposal
Preliminary information suggests that the state government was exploring a reservation scheme for Muslims similar to the reservation given to SC and ST communities in civil contracts.
A news18 In the report, the bill related to this proposal is likely to be introduced during the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly.
Political reactions to the proposal
There has been a sharp reaction to this proposal, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
If this quota is given to Muslims in Karnataka, then whose share will be cut – SC, ST or OBC?
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya criticized the Siddaramaiah government, calling the move a violation of constitutional principles. “The Siddaramaiah administration in Karnataka is evaluating the proposal to provide reservation to Muslims in public contracts for construction (civil) works. If this quota is given to Muslims in Karnataka, then whose share will be cut – SC, ST or OBC? Malviya asked the question in a post on X.
Malviya further said, “In Telangana, 4% reservation has been given to Muslims, which is eating away the share of socially backward communities. The Congress-led MVA in Maharashtra has accepted the Jinnah-like demands of the All India Ulema Board. This is all about Muslim votes for Congress, which is a blatant contempt of the Constitution, which prevents any religion-based reservation.”
The demand to include Muslims under Category-2B with 4 percent reservation is being considered. No decision has been taken yet.
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