NCBC criticises blanket classification of Muslims as backward caste in Karnataka
- In Reports
- 02:52 PM, Apr 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The National Commission for Backward Classes has raised concerns about the Karnataka government's decision to classify Muslims as part of the backward caste category for the allocation of reservations.
The commission stated that such a broad categorisation undermines the principles of social justice within the nation.
Referring to information provided by the Congress government in Karnataka, the NCBC noted that all castes and communities of Muslims in the state have been incorporated into the list of OBCs for reservation in employment and educational institutions.
"It has been considered that all Muslims of Karnataka state are included under Category II-B as OBCs," it stated.
As per the data provided by the Karnataka Backward Classes Welfare Department, all castes and communities within the Muslim religion have been categorised as "socially and educationally backward" classes under Category IIB in the State List of Backward Classes.
During a field visit conducted last year, the commission examined the state's reservation policy for OBCs in educational institutions and government jobs.
In a statement, the NCBC clarified that all castes and communities of the Muslim religion in Karnataka are considered as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens. They are listed separately as Muslim Caste under Category IIB in the State List of Backward Classes.
This categorisation aims to provide them with reservation benefits in admissions to educational institutions and in appointments to posts and vacancies in the services of the State, in accordance with Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution of India.
The NCBC highlighted that the categorisation has resulted in reservation benefits for 17 backward castes under Category I and 19 castes under Category II-A. This blanket classification of Muslims as a backward caste undermines social justice, especially for marginalised Muslim castes and communities identified as socially and educationally backward.
The NCBC stated that religion-based reservation negatively impacts the social justice principles for Muslim castes and communities identified as socially and educationally backward. Treating all Muslims as a single category disregards the specific needs of marginalised Muslim groups listed under Categories I and II-A.
The NCBC expressed concern regarding the effect of these reservations on the broader landscape of social justice, particularly concerning local body elections.
In Karnataka, where 32 per cent reservation is allocated to backward classes in local body polls, including Muslims, the Commission highlighted the necessity for a nuanced strategy that recognises the diversity within these communities.
Image source: PTI
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