The Karnataka State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Contractors Association has submitted a plea to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressing concerns over the state government’s decision to grant a 4% reservation for Muslims in government tenders. The association fears that the move could indirectly affect the reservation quota allocated for SC/ST contractors.
Concerns Over Impact on SC/ST Quota
According to the association, the issue has become politically sensitive, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly opposing the decision and threatening legal action. The contractors worry that if the matter is taken to court, it could lead to a review of reservations for all categories, including SC/ST.
Mahadeva Swamy, President of the Karnataka State SC/ST Contractors Association, stated that they have submitted a formal request to the Chief Minister and the concerned minister, urging them to make necessary changes to protect the interests of SC/ST contractors.
Demand for Separate Provisions in the Law
Swamy explained that the government should ensure that while presenting the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, 1999 (Amendment) Bill in the state assembly, the provisions for SC/ST quotas should be clearly separated from those of the Muslim quota. This, he argued, would prevent legal challenges from affecting SC/ST contractors’ reservations.
“The government has fixed specific reservation quotas for different categories. However, BJP leaders and central ministers have declared that they will challenge the Muslim quota in court. If this happens, all other reservations could also come under legal scrutiny,” Swamy warned.
SC/ST Quota Remains Intact
Swamy clarified that the new reservation for Muslims will not directly affect the 24% quota reserved for SC/ST contractors, which remains unchanged. The association has also praised the government’s decision to increase the tender reservation limit from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore and to extend benefits to other backward categories, including Category 1, 2A, and 2B.
Political Battle Over the Quota
The quota for SC/ST contractors has already been approved by the President of India and upheld by the Supreme Court as constitutional. However, the state government is preparing to introduce an amendment to the KTPP Act to implement the Muslim quota, which has triggered strong opposition from the BJP.
BJP leaders have termed the move unconstitutional, claiming that it threatens national unity. BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya called the decision “illegal” and confirmed that the party will challenge it in court.
As the Karnataka government moves ahead with the proposed amendment, the controversy is expected to intensify, with legal and political battles likely in the coming days.
