BANGALORE: Former Member of Parliament VS Ugrappa on Saturday strongly criticised both Central and state governments for their failure to take concrete steps towards including the enhanced 56% reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
“The admissions are starting for professional courses such as medical and engineering, and what are all the three parties doing?” Ugrappa asked.
The Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions and Appointments or Posts in the Services under the State) Act, 2022, which increased the reservation to a total of 56% (SC 17%, ST 7%, and OBC 32%), was passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Council.
Despite this legislative approval and subsequent recommendations, the provision has not been included in the Ninth Schedule, rendering the enhanced reservation vulnerable to judicial challenges and preventing its effective implementation, Ugrappa said.
Questioning the sincerity of both governments, Ugrappa asked, “Why have the Central and state governments not done anything to add the 56% reservation in the Ninth Schedule? Are all the statements they have made merely crocodile tears?”
Ugrappa emphasised that Tamil Nadu has successfully implemented reservation by securing Ninth Schedule protection, while Karnataka continues to face hurdles due to inaction.
Expressing deep concern over the delay, he warned that unless the issue is effectively addressed immediately, he would launch an indefinite day-and-night satyagraha starting next month to press for the inclusion of the Act in the Ninth Schedule and ensure social justice for the marginalised communities. “Don’t test the patience of SCs and STs,” he said.
Ugrappa said reservation is a constitutional right, not charity, and called upon all authorities concerned to act swiftly to protect and implement the enhanced quotas for the benefit of SCs, STs, and OBCs in state.