Despite the Karnataka State Cabinet approving and notifying internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) almost two months ago, the crucial government recruitment process remains stalled. The primary obstacle? A lack of clear guidelines from the state government on how to issue new caste certificates that accurately reflect an applicant’s specific SC category under the new quota system.
Key departments, including the Karnataka Police, and prominent recruitment bodies like the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), are fully geared up to kickstart hiring. However, they are currently unable to proceed due to this unresolved caste certificate dilemma. This delay impacts a staggering 32,111 potential job openings across various government sectors.
Understanding the New Reservation Categories
This new system stems from the H.N. Nagamohan Das report, which the State Cabinet accepted with certain adjustments. The order now classifies Scheduled Castes into three distinct groups for internal reservation: Category A, comprising 16 castes with a 6% quota; Category B, including 19 castes also with a 6% quota; and Category C, encompassing 63 castes allotted a 5% share.
Currently, caste certificates merely specify ‘SC’ along with the individual’s sub-caste. Under the revised internal reservation policy, these certificates must now clearly indicate which of the three newly defined SC categories (A, B, or C) the candidate belongs to.
Urgent Calls for Action and Departmental Preparedness
Prasanna H., Executive Director of the KEA, highlighted the readiness of various agencies: “Just in the past week, eight departments have forwarded proposals for conducting recruitment exams, aligning with the updated roster and having secured approval from the Finance Department. However, a seamless process hinges on the Revenue Department issuing caste certificates that explicitly reflect these new SC categorizations. We are eagerly awaiting the government’s directives on this crucial matter.”
Venugopal Maurya, State convener for the Democratic Dalit Students’ Federation, expressed deep concern: “Recruitment has been on hold for approximately a year to facilitate the implementation of internal reservation in the state. Thousands of hopeful job aspirants have been patiently waiting. It is unacceptable to further prolong the recruitment process, especially months after the internal reservation policy for SCs has been put in place.” He strongly urged the government to promptly address these bureaucratic roadblocks and initiate the hiring process without further delay.
Awaiting Final Government Order
Rakesh Kumar K., Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, confirmed that his department has already submitted a draft proposal to the government. This proposal outlines the procedures for issuing caste certificates that will include the new SC categorizations, essential for implementing the internal reservation system effectively.
He added, “The government is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to release an official order with comprehensive guidelines very soon.”