Karnataka’s Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, has strongly emphasized the necessity of raising reservations in both education and employment to a substantial 75% within the state. This bold proposal comes as the Social and Educational Survey, currently underway, is expected to reveal crucial insights into societal needs.
During a program celebrating the 93rd birth anniversary of former Chief Minister S. Bangarappa, organized by the Bangarappa Foundation in Sorab, Minister Lad highlighted the contributions of past leaders. He noted that former Chief Ministers Devraj Urs and S. Bangarappa, along with the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have consistently championed the cause of backward classes. Their administrations, he stated, implemented policies that brought lasting benefits to these communities.
Leveraging the occasion, Lad publicly appealed to the Chief Minister to increase reservations in education and employment to 75%. He cited neighboring Tamil Nadu, which already implements a 69% reservation, as a precedent. Lad further underscored that the Supreme Court supports reservation policies grounded in empirical data. He asserted that Karnataka is uniquely positioned, being the only state to possess such comprehensive data, with the Social and Educational Survey nearing its completion. “We urge the Chief Minister to consider the survey’s findings and increase reservations across all categories, ensuring equitable distribution and a fair share for everyone,” Lad stated.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa also shared personal anecdotes about his association with S. Bangarappa. He recounted leading a delegation of 23 legislators to meet then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, successfully advocating against Bangarappa’s removal from the Chief Minister’s position. Muniyappa credited Bangarappa’s support and guidance as pivotal to his own rise in political office.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa, who also heads the Bangarappa Foundation; Belur Gopal Krishna, MLA for Sagar; and Bheemanna Naik, MLA for Sirsi. The foundation organized a full day of events to commemorate the 93rd birth anniversary of the late S. Bangarappa.