Bengaluru, April 25 (UNI) The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) on Thursday announced to summon the Karnataka Chief Secretary over the state government's decision to grant "blanket reservation" to the Muslim community.
Expressing its concerns over the decision, NCBC said such a broad categorisation undermines the principles of social justice.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NCBC Chairperson Hansraj Ahir criticised the Karnataka government's move to classify the entire Muslim community as a backward caste for reservation purposes. According to Ahir, this blanket classification fails to recognise the diversity and complexities within Muslim society.
"While there are indeed underprivileged and historically marginalised sections within the Muslim community, treating the entire religion as backward overlooks the diversity and complexities within Muslim society," Ahir said.
The NCBC emphasised the need for a nuanced approach to reservation policies that take into account the specific needs of different communities. Despite the state government's response on the matter, the NCBC found it unsatisfactory and has decided to summon the Karnataka chief secretary to explain the decision.
According to data from the Karnataka Backward Classes Welfare Department, all castes and communities within the Muslim religion have been enlisted as socially and educationally backward classes under Category IIB in the State List of Backward Classes. This classification enables them to receive reservation benefits in educational institution admissions and government job appointments as per Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Indian Constitution.
While Karnataka provides 32 per cent reservation to backward classes, including Muslims, in local body elections, the NCBC stressed the need for a more nuanced approach that accounts for the diversity within these communities. As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 12.92 percent of the population in Karnataka.
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